Contribution to that development includes financial expenses that are necessary to properly raise the child. In the United states, child support processes are ruled on a state by state basis. Each state is required to have child support guidelines in place, and to review those guidelines, at least every four years. In addition, state child support guidelines must apply equally and be adhered to, throughout the state.
Generally, parents wishing to have a determination about child support payments, must petition the court. They can do this on their own or with the aid of an attorney. The other parent will be issued a summons so that they are aware that they are being sued for child support. Once the court has determined an individual is indeed a parent to the child, they will mandate child support payments. Courts generally take many factors into consideration when determining the amount of child support payments.
However, they must adhere to the state's child support guidelines when doing so. If a parents fails to make child support payments, many states offer child support services. In fact, departments of child support services can be sure that payments are made and received in a timely manner. In addition, departments of child support services, will offer parents services for demanding payment for non received payments. In fact, there is a network of child support services, throughout the United States. Those organizations will be sure that each parent acts according to the child support guidelines of their state.
Child support is usually a legally mandated payment from one parent to another. Generally, courts take many factors into consideration when determining what the payment should be. The amount of each payment can be modified if there is a change in circumstances. Parents can be subject to harsh legal penalties if they fail to pay court ordered child support payments.
NEXT: Visitation Contempt Explained