What is a lump sum payment of child support?

A lump sum payment of child support is a one-time payment made in lieu of regular, recurring payments. In California, lump sum payments are only allowed under certain circumstances and must be approved by the court. Generally, the payment must be for a specific, pre-determined amount. Lump sum payments might be considered when one parent is unable to make payments in the future, such as due to incarceration, retirement, or job loss. The lump sum payment will cover the parent’s future child support obligation, but the court must be convinced that the payment is in the best interest of the child. Additionally, lump sum payments cannot be used to cover child care costs or medical bills. They are meant to cover future regular payments of child support. The court can also consider lump sum payments if a child is expected to finish school within a certain amount of time and the parent wants to pay the full amount in one payment. Essentially, lump sum payments of child support are used when a parent is unable to make regular payments in the future. The court must approve the payment and consider whether it serves the best interest of the child before granting permission. The payment can only be used to cover regular payments, not medical bills or child care costs.

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What is a lump sum payment of child support?

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