Misconceptions About Child Support

Child support is one of those terms that people get confused about. What is it? How much does it cost? Who pays it? Where does it come from? Is there an easy way to calculate how much you will be paying? The answers to these questions may surprise you, as well as the fact that there are many misconceptions about this topic.

What is Child Support?

Child support is the monetary amount that a parent is obligated to pay for the support of their child or children. This money is usually paid directly to the custodial parent. It is generally determined by the state and can vary depending on a number of factors such as the number of children, income, etc. There are also certain laws that determine who is responsible for child support payments. For example, if the parents are divorced, the mother is usually responsible for the child support payments, unless the father is receiving public assistance.

Where Does Child Support Come From?

There are many places where child support can come from. Most commonly, it comes from the father's wages. If the father is making $20,000 per year and has two children, he will be responsible for paying approximately $10,000 in child support each month. He may have to pay more or less than this depending on his current income and the number of children he has.

How Much Does Child Support Cost?

This varies greatly. Some people are lucky enough to have no child support payments at all. Others may have to pay thousands of dollars every month. Child support is calculated based on the needs of the child. So, if you have one child and make $50,000 per year, you may only be required to pay $300 per month. However, if you have three children and make $40,000 per year, you could be required to pay as much as $1,200 per month.

Is There An Easy Way To Calculate How Much You Will Be Paying?

No. There is no easy way to calculate child support. Each state has its own guidelines for determining what the monthly payment should be. Even if you live in the same state, there may be different rules for each city or county. If you are in the military, you may not even know what your child support is until you leave the service. It is recommended that you speak with an attorney before you sign any agreements regarding child support. They can help you figure out what your child support obligations will be.