Child support is a payment that the non-custodial parent makes to the custodial parent to help provide for a child’s basic needs. This money is intended to cover expenses like food, clothing and shelter.
The current system of enforcement often targets low-income parents, especially Black fathers, who are more likely to miss payments. The punitive measures used to collect debt put employment, housing and familial bonds at risk.
What is child support?
Child support is a form of financial aid paid by one parent to another. It is usually awarded following a divorce, separation, annulment, determination of parentage or dissolution of a civil union.
Most states use a formula to determine the amount of child support payments. The formula typically aims to provide the same standard of living for a child that they would have had if they were raised with both parents.
The amount of support that a court awards will be based on the incomes of both parties and other factors like child care expenses and health insurance costs.
Some states will consider loan payments and taxes when calculating a person’s ability to pay child support. However, this is not always required and courts are allowed to make their own decisions about these issues.
How is child support calculated?
In the USA, child support is determined based on state laws. These laws vary from state to state, but they all work to ensure children have the resources they need to live happy, healthy, and safe lives.
The basic amount of child support is calculated based on a set percentage of parental income. This can either be a flat percentage or a variable percentage that changes with the non-custodial parent’s income.
For example, if a non-custodial parent makes $2,000 a month and the custodial parent brings in $3,000 a month, the court may order the non-custodial parent to pay a 25% flat percentage of their income to the custodial parent for basic child support expenses.
In addition to the basic amount of child support, many states also have rules in place regarding health care costs for children. This is called Cash Medical Support and can be added or subtracted from the presumptive amount of basic child support in some states.
How is child support enforced?
Child support is an important way for parents to provide for their children after separation or divorce. It helps cover the cost of housing, food, clothing, and other essentials.
It can also be used to cover educational costs, extracurricular activities, and other expenses that the parents agree upon. However, it is still very important to keep the amount of support reasonable and not go overboard.
If a parent refuses to pay as ordered, there are legal consequences. For example, they could have their driver’s license suspended or be sent to jail.
The United States also has a federal statute that prohibits noncustodial parents from crossing state lines or fleeing the country with the intent to avoid paying support that is overdue for more than one year or exceeds $5,000. If this is done, it’s a crime that can result in fines and up to 2 years in prison.
Why is child support important?
Child support is an important financial resource for children in the USA, even if their parents are divorced. It is meant to help them live a happy and healthy life and ensure that their needs are met.
In most states, child support payments are based on a mathematical formula that primarily considers the income of both parents. This amount is calculated so that it will cover the basic needs of the child, including food, shelter, clothing, and other general costs.
The noncustodial parent will be on the hook for a percentage of this money, as determined by the formula, with the custodial parent keeping a portion to use towards the child’s expenses.
When a parent does not make child support payments, they can face legal consequences. This can include wage garnishments, driver’s license suspension, or even jail time. Moreover, it can affect the parent’s relationship with their children. For these reasons, it is essential to keep up with your payments.
