What Every Parent Needs to Know About Child Support
Divorce cases can be a complicated process, especially when there are children involved. A legal situation that many parents face during divorce proceedings is the issue of child support. Many people do not understand child support and how it works. If you are a parent facing divorce, it is important to know the following facts about child support.
What is Child Support?
Every dependent child has the right to be financially supported by his/her parents. After a divorce, the parent who has custody of the children is due financial support from the other parent through child support.
Who Qualifies as a Parent in a Divorce Case?
Parents can be the birth mother or father of the children, an adoptive parent, or step-parent. As long as this person has shown intention to treat the children as members of his/her own family, he/she qualifies as a parent and may be required to pay child support.
How Long Does Child Support Last?
A parent is responsible for paying child support as long as any dependent children are still under the age of 18. There are some cases where child support would continue past the age of 18, including if the child has a disability or illness or is still going to school full-time.
How is Child Support Paid?
Ultimately, the parents will need to work out a payment arrangement that is agreeable to both parties. If they are unable to do this on their own, mediation can help them to reach an agreement in writing.
Are you considering a divorce? Would you like to learn more about child support? Contact us at Khatami Law to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team.