What is the difference between child support and child maintenance?

Child support and child maintenance are both legal terms used to describe the financial obligations one parent may have to another when raising a child. Although they are sometimes used interchangeably, there are some differences between them. Child support is money that is paid from one parent to the other to help cover the costs of raising a child. Typically, the parent with a higher income will pay child support to the other parent. In Wisconsin, the courts determine the amount of child support that each parent must pay. Child maintenance is money that covers a range of costs associated with raising a child. These costs may include basic necessities for the child, such as food, clothing, and shelter. Depending on the situation, child maintenance may also include expenses related to medical care, educational costs, or recreation. In Wisconsin, the courts can award additional child maintenance to help cover some of these costs. In summary, child support is a mandatory payment from one parent to the other to cover some of the costs of raising a child, while child maintenance is a payment for additional expenses related to the care of a child. Child support is typically determined by the courts, while child maintenance is awarded based on the needs of the child.

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What is the difference between child support and child maintenance?

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