Having a child custody order for your children can be rather complex. You have to pay close attention to the terms so that you know what is supposed to happen. It is imperative that both parents abide by the terms in the agreement so that there isn’t any need for further legal action. The penalties for not following the order can be rather harsh.
A distinction between the custodial parent and non-custodial parent must usually be made. Typically, the custodial parent receives the support and the non-custodial parent pays the support.
The amount of each support payment and the schedule on which they are paid are dictated by state law and the paying parent’s pay schedule. In most cases, these payments are handled through automatic deductions from the paying parent’s checks. They are then routed through a clearinghouse and sent to the recipient through an electronic payment method.
There are times when the child support order needs to be changed. These modifications must be handled through the court system. There are specific requirements for these changes to be initiated. Typically, this means that there is a significant change in at least one parent’s situation.
When you and your ex live in the same state, the child support order can be rather simple. The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act dictates what happens when parents live in different states. There are only specific jurisdictions that can handle modifications and other petitions related to child support. You should remember that states must abide by the orders of other states due to a clause noted in the Constitution of the United States.
Because laws related to financial support orders for children are often complex, it is imperative for you to know how the laws apply to your case. Since every case is different, this helps to ensure that you are making decisions based on the appropriate information.