REMEMBER THIS

• The legislatures or courts of each state have adopted guidelines to establish child support. The guidelines are based on the number of children and the income of the noncustodial parent or the income of both parents. Additional factors used in setting child support include: childcare expenses, the cost of health insurance, special needs of the child, and other financial obligation of the parents.


• Many techniques are used to enforce payment of child support, including wage deductions, interception of tax refunds, liens on property, revocation of drivers’ licenses and professional licenses, findings of contempt of court (including fines and jail-time), and criminal prosecution.