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It is important to be aware of facts about child support, a situation that most couples usually find themselves in. While a lot of people usually hear of child support, they don’t really know what it is all about. The following are some of the basic facts about child support that you should know about;
Child access with the absence of child support money
In some cases, parents tend to deny the other parent access to see the child due to failure to pay child support. According to the law, both parents should be able to see the child even when one of them is not paying. The law considers denying a parent access to their kid as punishment to the kid, it allows the one without custody access to be able to bond and spend time with their child. A parent can only be denied access to the kid by the court if his or her behavior is considered harmful to the child.
When child support is applied for
After a divorce or separation, a parent can apply for child support and custody if he or she is living with their child. In most cases, parents apply for custody immediately after divorcing or separating with their partner then later apply for child support. While it is advisable to apply as early as possible, you can apply for child support as part of the divorce application. If a step-parent has an ongoing relationship with the child and you wish to apply for child support or custody, chances are the court will not order the payments or support.
When child support ends
Child support usually continues until the child is over the age of 18 years old as it is considered that he/she is still dependent. Instances like the child getting married or voluntarily withdrawing from child support are some of the incidences that can force child support to come to an end. On the other hand, child support may continue even when the child attains and passes the age of 18 years old because he/she is attending school full time, is sick, or has a disability. If a child has attained 18 years and is working, the court makes an order of child support depending on his/her earnings.
How it is paid
While most parents need help to work out child support, most of them are usually able to work it out on their own. Both parents will hire child support attorneys, one to file the agreement and the other one to go through it to make sure that whatever they intended is what was put in the agreement. This ensures that their rights and those of the child are protected. Also, the paying parent is required to give correct information about what they earn. If parents are finding it difficult to come to an agreement with the child support application, then they can both hire lawyers who will help to negotiate for terms acceptable by both of them.
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