Requesting Child Support
Obtaining a Child Support Decree

Requesting child support is a relatively straightforward process. If a family law case has already been opened, the parent entitled to support can simply file a petition for support with the court. A similar filing may be submitted in a new case, although special notice rules apply for initiating the case to ensure the court can lawfully assert jurisdiction over the other parent.
- CHILD SUPPORT LAW GUIDE
- ⇒ Requesting Child Support
- » Consequences of not Paying Child Support
- » Child Support Payment Alternatives
- » Child Support Payment Enforcement
- » Child Support Payment Obligations
- » Getting Back Child Support Payments
- » Modifying The Child Support Terms
- » When Can I Avoid Paying Child Support
- » Child Support When The Other Party Is Abroad
- » How Can A Lawyer Help Me With Child Support?
How Is Spousal Support Determined?
Like many issues involving family law, state law largely dictates spousal support matters. This includes whether or not to award spousal support and in what amount.
Read moreWhat to Know about Child Support and Disabled Adult Children
Child support for fathers and mothers that are required to pay for the primary custody holder is usually based on certain factors implemented by each state depending on where the child lives. This extends to various other situations that may include joint or split custody, impaired children, special needs children and disabled adult children.
Read moreCan a Parent Have Joint Custody and Still Be Required to Pay Child Support?
Courts generally treat custody decisions and child support as two completely different considerations. For this reason and others, a parent who has joint custody may still be required to pay child support.
Read moreCan an Adult Child Be Compensated for Back Child Support?
Child support sometimes takes years to collect when absentee parents intentionally shirk from their responsibilities or take time to catch up to the obligations of a court order.
Read moreHow Is the Amount of Child Support Determined?
State laws determine how much child support is appropriate and ordered. Different states use different formulas to arrive at the proper amount of support.
Read moreCan I Get Palimony?
Palimony derives its name from alimony that is paid to a person who was living with another person buy the two were not married to each other. It is similar to alimony, but the requirements to receive it may be heightened or not afforded in some jurisdictions.
Read moreWhat are the Rules about Collecting Child Support from Someone who Receives SSI or SSDI?
Child support is collected from the parent that earns the most income from work or other projects. The amount and stipulations on what is considered part of this may vary state by state, and there are various factors that determine how much is garnered from the individual for spousal or child support.
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