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What is Child Support?

In many countries, child support is the ongoing obligation for a periodic payment made by a non-custodial parent to a custodial parent, caregiver or guardian, for the care and support of children of a relationship or marriage that has broken down. In family law, child support is often arranged as part of a divorce, marital separation, dissolution, annulment or dissolution of a civil union and may supplement alimony (spousal support) arrangements.

Legal theory

In most jurisdictions there is no need for the parents to be married, and only paternity and/or maternity (filiation) need to be demonstrated for a child support obligation to be found by a competent court. Child support may also operate through the principle of estoppel (1.) where a de facto parent (2.) that is in loco parentis for a sufficient time to establish a permanent parental relationship with the child or children.

Child support is based on the policy that parents are obliged to pay for the support of their children, even when the children are not living with both biological parents. Though courts typically permit visitation rights to non-custodial parents, in such separations one parent is given custody and the role of primary caregiver. In such cases, the other parent still remains obligated to pay a proportion of the costs involved in raising the child. These costs are often still considered an obligation, even when the other parent has been legally limited or prevented from participating in or making decisions involving the upbringing of the child or children. It is also important to note the custodial parent still must pay a percentage of the costs incurred raising a child, even if a non-custodial parent has been ordered to make child support payments. In Massachusetts, for example,it's the responsibility of the custodial parent alone to pay the first $100 in all uninsured medical costs for each child, per year. Only then will the courts consider authorizing child-support money from a non-custodial parent to be used for said costs.

1. Estoppel is a legal doctrine proposing that any person who asks the courts to enforce a legal remedy should have a clear conscience.

2. A de facto standard, for instance, is a technical or other standard that is so dominant that everybody seems to follow it like an authorized standard.

3. The term in loco parentis, Latin for "in the place of a parent", refers to the legal responsibility of a person or organization to take on some of the functions and responsibilities of a parent. For example, state law gives school teachers some areas of responsibility in which they act in loco parentis.

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Child Support Calculator : How Can You Save on Child Support?

Child Support is a very sensitive subject. When it comes to supporting your child, you want to give the most help possible while trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle for yourself. Every parent and citizen has the right to earn income and we are going to show you how to can keep as much of your income as possible while still helping your child.

In this article, we are going to focus on how you save money on child support.

It's estimated that 75% of all child support in the USA is collected through what is called income withholding. Income withholding is when child support agencies send notices to the paying parent's place of employment. The other 25% of child support is paid through willing payments, workers comp checks, social security, disability checks, or pension checks.

First off, you should be aware that the federal consumer credit protection act limits the total amount of money that can be withheld from your paycheck at one time. Every person has the right to create income and earn a living, no matter what his or her financial situation is. The act limits the withheld amount to 50-65% of the payer's disposable income. Disposable income is calculated as gross income minus taxes.

There are a few steps that you can take right away to lower the amount of child support you are required to pay:

1. Government deductions and legal loopholes to cut your child support payment by half or more.

2. Taking immediate action to prepare yourself to pay the lowest support payment possible.

3. Looking at exactly what courts look at when determining the amount of child support you owe.

4. Arranging mediation outside of court in order to pay a lower amount based on a mutual agreement.

Remember, your best chance at lowering the amount of child support you'll have to pay is by trying to reach an agreement outside of court with the child's mother or father. The more cooperative you are willing to be usually means the more understanding and lower payment you'll have to end up paying.

The people who courts punish the most are what child support collectors and parents call "deadbeat parents" who take no financial, mental, physical, or emotional interest in their child. Judges love to punish these parents as much as possible to make examples of them for future parents who are considering on trying to "skip out" or "forget" about paying their child support payments.

In closing, you should always look at your states child support laws and requirements before making any decision on what you are going to do in regards to your child's future support payment. By being as cooperative as possible you can save a lot of stress, headache, and money. Always consult with an attorney before signing any documents or making any permanent decision in regards to the distribution of your hard earned income. Good luck and remember, your child's life is dependent on your support and actions!

Article Tags: Child Support Calculator, Child Support Calculators, Georgia Child Support Enforcement, Child Help

About the Author:
S Millson is a child support researcher who has come up with various ways to save and reduce child support payments. Visit http://www.childsupportsaver.com to learn everything you need to know about child support and custody today!