Contemplating divorce? Call us today at 603-625-0042 Have you ever stopped to consider what the words, "Child Support" really mean? Right away most of us probably think of money. And, yes, that's a major factor. But the money is simply a way of supporting your children among the many other ways you look after and care for your offspring. Unfortunately, after a divorce, it can be a source of contention. This article is meant to be a general guide for you to use in case you need it.
The amount of support
Child Support amounts can consist of an agreement decided upon in negotiations and/or mediation, or by a court decision concerning how much your child will receive from the person paying the support. The amount is set according to a percentage of the paying parent's income. Along with child support, the two divorcing parents can agree on who pays medical insurance, or the court may order one or both parents to provide insurance for the children, or require the non-custodial parent to help with medical bills.
Something a paying parent might not realize is that guidelines don't always base the monthly amount on what that parent earns. It can be based on what the parent is capable of earning. Education, job skills, and possible wages are all calculated. So if the paying parent takes a low-wage job to avoid making higher child support payments, the court may order a higher amount anyway.
Making payments
In an amicable divorce, the parents often handle the child support themselves and don't need help or involvement from the state-run child support agency. However, in many cases, the paying parent sends his or her monthly check through the agency. This is a good method to use if the paying parent suspects that the ex might lie in court and claim that he or she never paid. It's important for the non-custodial parent who is obligated to make monthly child support payments to protect him or herself.
Child support and taxes
Sometimes there's disagreement about fatherhood. (We could be talking Jerry Springer here). In the most serious cases, the agencies can provide genetic testing to establish beyond doubt who the father is.
Attorneys, mediators and helpful websites
Custody and child support are such complicated issues with far-reaching repercussions, however, that it remains a good idea to retain an attorney who can help with the specifics.
How long child support lasts
Child support generally ends when a child reaches the age of maturity. This is usually eighteen, but in some states can be as high as age twenty-three, and where a child is incapacitated, it can go on longer.
A change in child support
An adjustment can be made to child support because of special circumstances. It can go up or down due to the changes. It may also require one of the parents to contribute to health insurance.
If both parents agree to the change, the child support agency will submit the agreement to the court, which must make final approval. If the parents cannot agree, then the court will decide whether or not to make the change.
Child support agencies don't charge any fee for reviewing or changing the orders. However, the court clerk usually charges a modest filing fee, which the parent who requested the review pays.
When your ex doesn't pay
A sobering statistic from the National Child Enforcement Agency claims that our national child support debt is over $122 billion, and that 82% of this is not being collected by the federal government. If this statement is factual, it means that a staggering number of parents are struggling without any assistance.
Many times separated or divorced parents, both mothers and fathers, end up with little or no financial support from the other parent. If you're a divorced parent receiving regular checks from your ex, congratulate yourself. It's all too rare.
Putting your children first
Our children deserve our support, financially, emotionally, and psychologically. Even if you can't be with them every day, even if you live in another country, send the child support check. Send pictures and letters too, and tell them you love them as often as you can. Someday, when they're grown and your relationship with them is fantastic, you'll know the extra effort was worthwhile. Whatever situation you are in, make a stand for your children.
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