Child Support Overview

Non-custodial parents are required by law to pay a monthly allowance, or child support, to help the custodial parent cover their child's expenses. An order of child support may follow a divorce or a determination of paternity. A court of law usually determines the payments, based on the income level of the other parent. Stiff fines and even jail time can be imposed for a parent failing to keep up payment.This section contains general information about child support law, including a glossary of legal terms and a primer on how a child support lawyer may help.