Child support is the financial contribution paid by a parent to help provide for their children, who are not in that parent's custody. Both parents must take financial responsibility for their children. Under the legal Guidelines, child support will be determined by a set formula rather than decided on a case-by-case basis by a judge.

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The payment amount is based on the parent's income who pays Support and depends on the number of supported children. Child Support is generally based on Federal Child Support Guidelines. Under the Guidelines, a court may order a support amount different from the tables under certain circumstances.

 

Child support is not deductible by the payer, nor is it taxable in the hands of the recipient. Full financial disclosure is paramount in determining child support.