Child Support in the USA (Tips and Advice)

If you are newly divorced and you have children, then chances are you are getting acquainted with term child support.  As a parent, you have to support your child financially. And if you do not have custody of your child then you have to pay the child support until your child becomes an adult. However, the child support law and regulations can be confusing especially if you are a single parent. Because raising a child can be expensive. Let’s have a look at some of the tips that can help you understand what you can do to support your child.

Number 1: File As Soon As Possible

If you are delaying filing for child support, then probably you are leaving money on the table that you might be using for your child’s needs. As most of the laws of the state do not allow for retroactive child support awards if an order was not in effect. Hence it is important to file as soon as possible because then a custodial parent who files for child support early will get more assistance over the lifetime of their child than the parents who delay filing.

Number 2: Be Honest About Your Financials

The court will determine your child support payment according to your financial situation or your annual income. It will include the income of both custodial and non-custodial parents. So, you must be honest about your finances because that way you can ensure that your child can fulfill his/her basic needs. Also, it will help receive the child support payments that you require and are entitled to if your child is living with you. Below are the documents mentioned that you will require to provide proof of your income and expenses:

• Recent pay stubs
• Recent tax returns
• Childcare expenses
• Business income and expenses (If self-employed)
• Medical expenses for a child with disabilities
• Health insurance if your child is on your plan

Both custodial and non-custodial parents will be required to provide the same information however some parents do not follow through. An experienced family attorney will help you compile the necessary information.

Number 3: Get the Court to Help You Enforce Payments

If the court orders child support and the other parent does not make the required payment it should not be your job, you enforce them. The court will help you enforce them. Because the courts possess the right of withdrawing the child support payments from the parent’s paycheck automatically. Also, the court can suspend their driver’s license and can even take more strict actions. But if you try to enforce a child support payment yourself it can create animosity between the parents that can result in handling other issues like custody modifications and other issues as well. Both parents are equally responsible to provide financial help to their children for basic needs.

Conclusion

So, remember and follow these things if you are filing for child support in the USA. For a successful agreement, it is essential that both parties should cooperate with each other as it is better for the future of their children. Also, do things according to rules and avoid getting into any temptation in these matters.