Child support is dictated by statute. There are many nuances and factors that come into play to determine the amount and duration of support obligations. It is also an issue that can and may be modified multiple times throughout a child’s upbringing. Support obligations usually last until a child is of legal age, or until they have completed their educational pursuits. Whether you are the custodial or non-custodial parent, it is important to make sure that your rights, as well as the rights of your child, are being met with a binding support order.
Although custody and support are usually addressed at the same time, custody and visitation determinations are not required to trigger the obligation of child support, and payment of support is not a prerequisite for visitation. If one or the other is not being upheld by the respective parent, you should contact your attorney to address the matter and have the proper orders entered in court. Stopping support due to visitation issues and/or withholding visitation from a non-paying parent, can lead to serious legal consequences.