If you are going through a divorce, there’s a good chance you are trying to figure out the best way to set your children up for future success after the legal process has concluded. Divorce can be very tough on children, so make sure you understand all of the emotional and legal impacts on your kids. One of the ways that the legal system ensures that children are taken care of after the divorce is child support. Dependent children are provided the legal right for financial support from their parents. If you aren’t familiar with child support and how it works, this article will help you clear things up. Keep reading on below to learn about 3 important things to know about child support. Remember that you can always reach out to The Johnson Law Firm & Associates if you are looking for an expert divorce attorney.

1. Both Parents Are Responsible

One of the most important things to know about child support is that both parents are responsible for helping to raise their children. The custodian, or parent that lives with the child, will be responsible for the day-to-day care of the child. The other parent should help with the expenses required to raise the child, which is essentially what child support is. Remember that both parents are responsible for supporting their children financially within their means. If you have questions about child support or would like to learn more about the divorce process, reach out to The Johnson Law Firm & Associates.

2. Child Support Ends

Another important thing to understand about child support is that it doesn’t last forever. Typically, a parent will pay child support until the child reaches the age of 18. As long as the child remains a dependent under the age of 18, child support will be paid. Child support is important because it ensures that a child has the financial support they need to survive until they are old enough to start earning enough to support themselves on their own. In some cases, you might be paying child support after they reach the age of 18 depending on if they are going to school.

3. There Are Big Consequences for Not Paying Child Support

It’s always important to understand the consequences of not paying child support. They can be serious and have dramatic impacts on a parent’s financial situation. The courts will find a way to ensure that child support is paid, even if you are unemployed. Failure to pay child support can negatively affect your credit and even lead to jail time in some cases. Make sure you are familiar with state and local child support laws if you think you might not be able to afford your child support payments.

We hope this article has helped you learn some important things about child support. Remember to reach out to The Johnson Law Firm & Associates if you have any questions about child support or would like to speak with a professional divorce attorney.