A divorce can be a challenging time. Emotions are running high and bringing up financial issues can easily spark arguments.
However, both parents should be willing to discuss child support. After all, the financial payments benefit their child. Even when both parents agree child support is necessary, coming up with an amount can be challenging.
You can use an easy and effective child support calculator. This is a great way to eliminate some arguments. Before you start trying to figure out how much child support is necessary, it can help to learn why it’s often considered essential.
What is Child Support?
Child support is common when divorcing couples have shared children. The payments, usually monthly, are intended to help support the child’s needs. These needs typically include clothing, food, education, and medical expenses. Extracurricular activity costs can also be part of a child support payment.
While all child support agreements go through the court, parents have a couple of options on how the details are reached. Some separating parents can work out an acceptable child support agreement by themselves. This can make the legal process go a little faster but the agreement will need to be approved by the court.
Sometimes, parents simply can’t reach an agreement. This doesn’t mean child support is off the table. Instead, the court will step in and decide on the terms. This typically includes the amount of child support owed, the length of the agreement, and the payment schedule. Child support payments can be monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly.
Who’s Typically Responsible for Paying Child Support?
The non-custodial parent is usually responsible for making child support payments. When both parents share equal custody, whoever is the primary decision-maker tends to receive child support. This is the parent responsible for making decisions about the child’s healthcare, education, and region.
How child support is calculated depends on a few factors like state laws. Most states look at the parent’s gross income and everyone’s location. A percentage of the higher earner’s gross income is usually set aside for child support. If the parent paying child support lives more than 100 miles away, the amount may be reduced to cover travel expenses.
If you’re wondering how long child support payments last, the answer can vary. With that being said, most parents stop paying child support when their child graduates high school or turns 18. If the child is dealing with a severe physical or mental disability, the payments may be extended for an undetermined period. Every family has different needs and child support laws try to consider this.
Reasons to Pay Child Support
There are a few excellent reasons parents shouldn’t fight over paying child support. Remember, child support is different from alimony. Unlike alimony which helps support a former spouse, child support is used for your children’s benefit. To help guide and inform you, here’s a look at a few reasons why you should pay child support.
Support Your Child
Raising a child is expensive even when two incomes are coming in. Imagine how hard it is when there’s only one income. With estimated costs well over $200,000 to raise a child, the financial support from the other parent can be a lifesaver.
The support you’re paying every month is helping to ensure your child has food and clothing. The funds also help support educational and medical costs. Even healthy kids need to see a physician for a checkup at least once a year. These doctor visits can quickly become expensive.
Child support can also help support activities that help shape your children into productive adults. Your financial support is also a way of reassuring your child you’re still invested in their life.
Meet Your Child’s Basic Needs
As we mentioned earlier child support is geared to help parents meet their children’s basic needs. These are things like food, shelter, and clothing, along with healthcare.
Child support can also go towards daycare, allowing the primary caregiver the opportunity to work. Don’t forget, children are expensive and child support payments are rarely enough to cover all of the basic needs.
Help Avoid Potential Issues
Potential issues can deal with anything from your child’s health to legal ramifications. Failing to pay court-ordered child support can result in hefty fines and potential jail time. Child support payments also provide some financial security. This can apply to both parents.
The one paying support can relax a little knowing they’re helping to ensure their child has everything they need. The parent receiving the support can breathe a little easier knowing they have funds to handle almost anything.
What Are the Potential Penalties for Failing to Pay Child Support
State laws play a role in the potential penalties parents can receive for failing to pay child support. Most states allow the court to issue fines and even impose jail time. However, the potential repercussions don’t end there.
Wages can be garnished and your bank account frozen. Some states even revoke driver’s licenses for failing to stay current with child support payments. While this may not seem like a severe penalty, being in default on child support payments can negatively affect your credit score. This may not be a concern until you apply for a mortgage or car loan.
Can Child Support Orders Be Modified
Depending on the reason, you may be able to modify child support payments. This applies to both parents.
However, you can’t request a modification without a valid reason. What are some valid reasons? They can include if a parent loses their job or sees their gross income dramatically decrease. Moving forward away from the child can also result in a reduction in child support amounts.
If the child develops a medical condition requiring extended care, support payments may be increased. These are only a few examples of why a court may decide to agree to a modification.
Child Support Is Often Crucial
Paying child support can be a pain but it also benefits your child. Your child sees you still a vital part of their life, even when you’re not there. When parents can agree on support and other divorce terms, you’re also setting a good life example for your children.
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