Child Support

Child support is the payment made by a non-custodial parent to the custodial parent after a divorce, annulment, or other dissolution of marriage. Every parent has the obligation to support their children, so the custodial and non-custodial parent must share childcare expenses. Different states have different statutes regarding child support. Some require splitting medical costs; others can require child support funds to be earmarked for certain expenses, etc.

The amount of child support is court-determined and takes into consideration various factors, such as the income of both parents, number and age of children, cost of living, and other known costs, like treatment for an illness. Typically, once decided upon, the amount of child support does not change unless it is revisited by the court. Each parent has the right to ask the court for a change in the amount of child support, but a change is not guaranteed in any circumstance.

The custodial parent, the one receiving the child support, is required to use the money for the child’s benefit. The money is not to be used for personal expenses of the parent, though they can get some shared benefits from spending the money on the child. Using child support money to rent an apartment, for example, benefits the parent and the child.

Speak with a West Palm Beach Family Lawyer

If you are paying or receiving child support, contact the West Palm Beach family lawyers of Eric N. Klein & Associates at 561-353-2800 for a consultation.