Child support, at its simplest, is meant to help with the “normal” expenses associated with raising a child. These normal expenses include food, shelter, transportation, clothing, and certain educational costs.

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Child Support

Updated: July 2023 | Bill Fay

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Child support is a legal obligation that a biological parent has for providing for the basic living expenses of a child: food, clothing, shelter, health care and education. It is a noncustodial parent’s financial obligation to make monthly or periodic payments to a custodial parent.

The responsibility applies when one parent no longer lives with a child (or children) and/or is no longer the primary caregiver.  Such a situation can stem from a divorce or marriage separation, or an instance in which the parents were never married.

Laws governing child support are passed and enforced by the federal government, particularly the Administration for Children and Families. State laws also govern child support regulations and may go beyond federal provisions.