What is a child support order?

A child support order is an obligation established by a court that requires the non-custodial parent (the parent who does not have primary physical custody of the child) to pay a certain amount each month to the custodial parent in order to support the child. This order is created during a child support hearing, and will typically include details such as the monthly amount due, when payments are due, and whom they should be paid to. In California, a child support order is issued by the court based on each parent’s income, the amount of time each parent spends with the child, any medical insurance or child care costs, and any other factors taken into consideration. This type of order may be changed or adjusted as circumstances change, and it is important for the non-custodial parent to make all payments on time in order to avoid serious penalties such as wage garnishment or incarceration. Child support is an important legal obligation for both parents, and it is intended to provide financial assistance for the child’s basic needs such as housing, food, clothing, and medical care. It is also designed to ensure that the costs of raising the child are shared between both parents. All orders must be followed to ensure the financial needs of the child are met.

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