Child support ensures children maintain their standard of living after separation. Whether you're seeking support or being asked to pay, understand how calculations work.
Expert information to help you understand your rights and options
Child support ensures children receive financial support from both parents after separation. State formulas determine amounts based on income, custody time, and other factors. Learn how child support works, what affects calculations, and your rights and obligations.
Child support calculations use state-specific formulas considering both parents income, number of children, custody arrangements, and special expenses. Understanding the formula helps predict and verify support amounts. Learn how your state calculates support.
Child support enforcement mechanisms include wage garnishment, license suspension, tax refund interception, and contempt proceedings. State agencies help collect unpaid support. Learn enforcement options and pursuing overdue child support payments.
Child support can be modified when circumstances substantially change—job loss, income changes, custody modifications, or changed child needs. Courts require showing material change since the original order. Learn about modification requirements and the process.
Whether child support covers college expenses varies by state—some require contribution to higher education costs, others end support at majority. Agreements can include college obligations. Learn about child support and college, state rules, and planning ahead.
