Child support is something most divorcing couples talk about when they have children. Whichever party has the children more often may be entitled to child support, so that their children can live in a more financially stable home.
Child support is paid by those who do not have full custody. You can choose to enter into a support agreement voluntarily, through an administrative agency or because of a court order.
Child support and custody: The stories of 5.9 million parents
The sad thing about child support is that it’s not always paid on time or in full. In a study of 5.9 million parents, only 40% received support payments in full. Another 30% received partial payments, while the last 30% received no payment at all.
How much does child support matter?
This is a hard question to answer because it depends on many different factors. A custodial parent who is barely making enough to support themselves and their children may need support to help them cover their expenses and to make sure they can stay in their home. Another custodial parent might not need support but could take it and put it away in a college fund or savings account for their child.
Child support has been shown to reduce the rate of child poverty and to improve the well-being of children following the separation of their parents. If you need to obtain child support, don’t be afraid to ask for it. Your child deserves financial support from both parents so that they can grow up in a secure environment.
