There are several things that are included in child support laws as established by several states all over the world. All these reports were researched and written to ensure better protection of a child no matter where he is in the world.
What Is Child Support?
In a nutshell and in financial terms, child support is the sum that the parent not directly responsible for the child, must pay to the parent taking caring of the child. This is to ensure that the basic necessities of the child are being met and no compromises are being made in that department. These elements include:
- Food
- Clothing
- Shelter
- Health care, and lastly and most importantly
- Education.
When a responsible parent has been ordered to pay the alimony to the parent the kid is living with it is important that the money is given to the custodian and not the child. This is meant to be followed up until the time the child is old enough to handle the money independently. In some states this is the legal age that is 18.
It is every individual’s responsibility to ensure that their biological children are cared for. Therefore, it is not ordered by the court for a stepfather to pay for child support unless the father has adopted the child through legal proceedings. However, at the same time the ordeal of adopting a child and being responsible for it financially also varies from state to state.
Once the above has been decided, it is up to the court to establish the sum that will be paid and also the method of payment that is best suited to both the parties. These specifications are highly dependent on the child’s needs. For example if it is a special child, then child support might automatically increase to ensure there is no loophole in the medical care. Similarly, they are also reliant on the age of the child the gender and are also highly influenced by the earning of the parent.
Sometimes it can also be a collective sum that is reached after observing the pay scale of both the mother and the father. Factors in defining sensibleness include the child’s monetary capitals, the parent’s financial possessions, and most importantly, the standard of living the child would have had if the marriage remained intact is considered. The bodily and emotive condition of the child and his educational needs, are also considered in reference to the parents earning.
Sometimes if needed, the court can pass out several orders only to ensure the care of the child. These expenses can be related to any and all kinds of medical emergencies, expenses related to camp or school and sometimes even vacation. When it comes to stepparents then it is up to the court and authorities to decide how the finances and emotional needs of the child will be cared for. The process is also reinforced to ensure the child is not being taken advantage of.
Authorities vary and change in terms of who is the custodian of the child. Therefore, the above have to be considered when dealing with the sensitive topic of child support.
Hilly Smith is the author of this article. She refers to the site djpsolicitors.com to elaborate more and get consultancy on child laws.
