Child Support and You

Child support is based on the idea that both parents have an obligation to support their children. This obligation does not go away simply because the children are not living with one of the parents. For this reason, child support payments are made by one parent to another.

While child support payments are generally made by a non-custodial parent to a custodial parent, other situations are possible. In some cases, child support can be ordered even in joint custody. It is also possible for the custodial parent to have to pay the non-custodial parent child support for when the children are visiting. These cases, however, are very rare.

In most cases, the parents do not need to have been married at any time. The only item that needs demonstration is paternity and/or maternity. Having the two biological parents, the court can decide the payment schedule. In some cases, child support may even be paid by a non-parent who has acted as a parent for long enough to establish a parental relationship to the children.

Visitation or contact with the children is not included with child support. These two subjects may, however, be agreed upon in the same settlement. Although visitation and child support payments are separate, there are certain things that parents cannot do. For instance, a custodial parent cannot withhold contact in order to punish the other parent for failing to pay child support. On the other hand, the non-custodial parent must pay child support whether he or she is granted visitation or not.

Contact the Austin Family Lawyer

If you have more questions about child support, please contact the Austin family lawyers of Slater, Kennon & Pugh Ltd.LLP at 512-472-2431.