What is the difference between child support and child maintenance?

Child support and child maintenance are both legal terms used to refer to the money that a non-custodial parent pays to the custodial parent to ensure the well-being of their child. In California, child support and child maintenance are similar in that they are both designed to ensure that a child’s basic needs are provided for by both parents. However, there are a few key differences between the two. Child support is typically a court-ordered payment that a parent pays to the other parent for the support of their child. It is typically determined by a judge and is based on the financial and earning capacities of both parents. It is the primary form of financial support for the child and covers the costs of food, clothing, and basic necessities. Child maintenance, on the other hand, is a discretionary payment that is not court-ordered. It is not based on the financial situation of the parents and is typically used for other costs such as educational fees, extracurricular activities, and medical expenses. Unlike child support, child maintenance is not an obligation to the other parent and is instead seen as an additional form of financial support. Overall, while child support and child maintenance are similar in that they are both used to ensure the well-being of a child, they are distinct in how they are determined and in what they are used for. Child support is court-ordered and based on the financial capacity of both parents, while child maintenance is discretionary and used for additional financial support.

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What is the difference between child support and child maintenance?

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