Videojug

Child Support Payments

Info
  • Videojug
  • Videojug
  • 2:37
  • Yes
  • 360p
  • 640x360
  • Flash
  • h.264
  • 900kbps

Child Support Payments

Kelly Chang (Family Law Attorney, Law Offices of Kelly Chang) gives expert video advice on: Can my ex-spouse and I make our own child support arrangements?; Do I have to pay support when my children reach adulthood? and more...

Which parent pays child support?

Well, technically, both parents pay child support. I mean, if you're raising a child and you're paying money, the other person is spending the time and paying in other ways. Both parents technically pay child support. However, if you are a higher income earner, with less custodial time, you will probably be the paying parent.

Can my ex-spouse and I make our own child support arrangements?

There is a guideline and you can't ever waive child support or try to pay less than what you have to pay, but you can make an agreement with the other party if it's not too far from the guideline.

Do I have to pay child support during a lengthy visitation?

Yes, once there is a child support order, your obligation is monthly. You would come up with some amount that you're going pay per month, and that amount's going to come from the fact that you get the kid through the summers; the formula's going to account for that. So, it doesn't matter if you get the kid; if you already agreed to pay $2,000 a month, you're going to pay $2,000 a month even when you're with the kid.

Do I have to pay support when my children reach adulthood?

The family code says you're obligated to pay child support until the child reaches 18, or completes high school and is 19.

What can I do if my ex-spouse won't pay child support?

Generally if your ex-spouse isn't paying support you would have to find a way to enforce the order. You could get a contempt, but the problem with holding people in contempt is that they get thrown in prison and they can't pay child support then either so you have to be careful in what you do. However, generally, if they do have a job and you have an order, I would have your lawyer prepare a wage-assignment order, like a garnishment, and fax it to their employer. They will garnish his wages and send it automatically to you.

Do I have to allow visitation if my ex-spouse is behind on paying child support?

Even if your ex-spouse is behind on child support payments, you still have to allow visitation. Just because somebody's not paying child support, it doesn't mean that he doesn't get to see his kid.

Do I still owe child support if my ex-spouse refuses visitation rights?

You still owe child support even if your ex-spouse refuses visitation. Even if your ex-spouse is not letting you see your children, you still are obligated to pay your support. What you would do in that situation is go to your lawyer and file something against the ex-spouse that's not letting you see the children. However, you still have to continue with your obligations to pay support.

20,589 views
Tips & Comments
  1. julianharrall

    my daughter is 18 and married now taking a degree..do is still have to pay child supprt

  2. nicazacatecas1369

    my son is almost 18. he is going to school once of week. he is not doing go in school. he stop going for two mts. now he return back to school. i want to stop paying child supper so i want to know how to stop paying?

  3. Anonymous

    I pay full guidline support to my ex and exactly what does that include, do I still have to pay for school pictures, hot lunches? Or does she have to order school pictures and pay and split them with me.

  4. MOMOF2

    MY DAUGHTERS FATHER WANTS TO GIVE UP HIS RIGHTS JUST BECAUSE HE OESNT WANT TO PAY HIS CHILD SUPPORT

  5. Anonymous

    I am a woman who recieves child support on my child. I am married to a wonderful man who payed child support on his children for 4 years untill hr took his ex. to court 6 months ago and he got custody of his 10 year old daughter. His son is now 19. His ex. was ordered to pay him child support now. But she chose to quit her job and she has not payed anything since he has had her. I know that most of the tome dads dont have the kids and they have to pay but please realize that there are deadbeat moms out there too And it seems like people forget that.

  6. Anonymous

    i understand some of the male perspective's on the matter; whereby the women have left them. But in my case i dont think its up to the parents to pay for their children because my ex would therefore choose not to pay anything or something rediculus like £5-10 per week! Whats that? It hardly covers a box of milk! Besides, he's already tryed denying his son already. What am i suppose to do. i haven't had any money during my pregnancy,my ex wasn't around, couldn't stay at home, i couldn't even afford to buy my son a christmas present! Why shouldn't his dad pay up??? He's living his life pretending that he doesnt have a child but i'm sorry i didn't make him on my own. Telling me that his 'Girl' means the world to him, pathetic! He needs to pay child support,denyal doesn't make your children not exist, so you might aswell support them and pay up.

  7. Anonymous

    CSA should introduce a system where every father has to pay a set minimum amount ie: £10 per week , but can also pay more if they wish to, this way i think people wouldn't try and run from the csa. If they dont pay the minimum amount then penalties should be put in place, think how much money could be saved if this was to be put in place,less money being paid in taking people to court and sending baliffs round, save on paperwork.csa must be more out of pocket with the way it is run at this present time.

  8. Anonymous

    csa is just a money making scheme, TO COVER THE COST OF THE IMMIGRANTS COMING INTO OUR COUNTRY!! who is paying for them?? oh, of course, WE ARE!! isn't it funny all these poor kids going without daddies money!! suddenly the government has enough money to pay for immigrants housing, benefits and the rest of the free stuff they recieve!!

  9. Anonymous

    csa should leave it up to parents to decide how much they will pay in maintenance,not treat men like criminals,dont they realise there are 2 sides to every story,what if the ex left with her children, and goes off with another partner? csa are not interested in reality!! they only care about money,they are cold hearted!! and seem to always be in favour of women!

  10. Anonymous

    my husband supported his ex and his 2 children for 6 years, she left him, slept around with all his mates then took the 2 kids, he hasn't seen them in 11 years, she wont allow him to know where they are,yet csa want 40 % of his wages and my 3 children are going without, we have never even had a holiday, where is the justice in this, my husband is a lovely man, who took on my 2 other children when we met,its always the good ones who have to pay for someone elses mess!!