Child support is an important part of a child’s life as well as an important financial support for parents who are the primary caretakers of their children. Child support is there to boost the child’s access to funds for schooling, medical care and other needs as well as for discretionary items. Its intention is to raise the income of a home to that which would be expected in a two-parent household.
Children deserve support from both parents, but it’s often that child support is misunderstood and even fought against. Even though one parent pays support, the other also shoulders costs associated with raising a child. Once you consider the amount of money both parties put in, the goal is that they are equal or at least close to being so.
The reality is that child support is a financial responsibility that the courts often require. If you do not pay support in defiance of a court order, you could be imprisoned, lose your license or face other serious penalties. Sometimes, your wages can be garnished. Parents with a legitimate problem paying can ask for a modification of the support order, so they can afford to pay what is asked of them.
Even if a parent doesn’t work, it doesn’t take away his or her obligation to provide support. The court may determine that it’s best to defer payments or to reduce them, but it’s unlikely to eliminate the responsibility due to its importance. If you struggle to pay or struggle to obtain the support needed, it’s worth discussing your situation with a legal professional.
Source: Support Pay, “Myths Vs Facts About Child Support,” accessed June 01, 2018