By: Attorney Shira Truitt
Child support is a payment made by a parent to help cover the financial needs of their children. It is typically paid by the non-custodial parent (the parent who does not have primary custody of the child) to the custodial parent (the parent who has primary custody of the child).
In the United States, child support is determined by state law, and each state has its own guidelines for calculating the amount of support that a parent must pay. These guidelines are based on a number of factors, including the income of both parents, the number of children involved, and the needs of the children.
One common method for determining child support is the income shares model. This model calculates the amount of support based on the proportion of each parent's income to the combined income of both parents. The more a parent earns, the more they will be expected to contribute to the support of their children.
Other factors that may be considered in determining child support include the cost of healthcare and childcare, the amount of time each parent spends with the children, and any special needs of the children.
It is important to note that child support is not intended to be a punishment for the non-custodial parent. Rather, it is meant to ensure that the children have the financial resources they need to live a comfortable and healthy life.
If you are involved in a child support case and have questions about how the amount of support will be determined, it is a good idea to speak with an attorney or a local child support agency. They can provide you with more information and help you understand your rights and responsibilities in regards to child support.
References:
"Child Support Basics." National Conference of State Legislatures. Retrieved from https://www.ncsl.org/research/human-services/child-support-basics.aspx
"Child Support Guidelines." Child Welfare Information Gateway. Retrieved from https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/laws-policies/statutes/cse-guidelines/
"Child Support Calculator." Department of Human Services. Retrieved from https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30376
If you need legal advice or a lawyer in Illinois or Missouri, please contact The Truitt Law Firm, LLC for assistance. For more information on The Truitt Law Firm, LLC or to schedule an appointment, please go to www.thetruittlawfirm.com.
