Child Support Articles
Child support guidelines by location
Every location has different child support guidelines, so we researched and created pages for each location separately. Choose your location to learn more.
What does child support cover? What can it be used for?
Child support is at the center of many arguments between separated parents. Knowing exactly what support covers can help you avoid returning to court.
Alimony versus child support (child and spousal support)
Alimony and child support are forms of maintenance paid after the end of a marriage or relationship. Learn more about how they compare.
Why paying child support without a court order isn't advised
Some parents pay to support their child even though a court hasn't ordered them to do so. This arrangement can cause problems later.
Child support while pregnant | Child support at conception
Many parents-to-be wonder how early child support can be ordered — From conception? Birth? Learn when you can apply and other ways to get financial help.
Not paying child support: Info for recipients & payers
Child support doesn't always get paid as ordered. What the recipient can do if they aren't being paid and how the payer can stop or lower payments.
Steps to getting a support order
Serving child support papers: Who serves & more
Here's how to serve papers to the other parent in your child support case. Follow these guidelines so you don't stall your case or have it thrown out.
How to prepare for a child support hearing
We asked several practicing family lawyers what a parent should do to prepare for a child support hearing. Here is what they said.
For the parent who pays support
Lower your child support and get more parenting time
In most cases, you can lower your child support payments by figuring out the true parenting timeshare percentage and increasing the time you have your children.
Using custody to avoid child support
While some may think they won't have to pay support if they have custody, it's not that simple.
Are you having difficulty paying child support?
The original child support order should have fit your ability to pay. If you're having trouble paying, it's probably because something changed since then.
For the parent who receives support
Receiving child support while on public assistance
If you receive TANF, the state may take part of the child support that the other parent sends you. It happens under Title IV-D, a federal law.
Technology to help you calculate
Child support software vendors
How to use almost any child support software alongside the Custody X Change app.