In research made by the National Center for Health Statistics, at least 41 percent of all first marriages throughout the world end up in divorce. However, the rate is much higher in second and even third marriages, which result in a 60 to 73 percent divorce rate.
With married couples who have children, the single parent who has custody of the child requires financial support, with the exception of the terminated legal rights of the other parent. Otherwise, financial contributions should be made in raising the child properly.
Primarily, child support pertains to the parent’s financial obligation to give adequate financial assistance to the child until he or she reaches legal age. For parents who have custody of their child, the legal court will require the fulfillment of their financial obligations. In case the child does not reside with the parent, the court will require the payment of support for the child to the custodial parent.
Payments for financial support of the child are only terminated once he or she reaches adulthood. Moreover, there are cases when payment is no longer required once the court declares that the child is emancipated or in active-duty military. However, children who have special needs are expected to obtain continuous financial support even after they have gone past their childhood years.
It is also worth noting that the court can terminate the financial responsibilities of a parent, as well as their rights to the child, when the couple has an agreement of not providing support. This is applicable in the case of a parent putting the child in adoption. Each state issues its own set of guidelines and policies in terms of financial support for the child, and the judge usually determines the specific amount. Afterwards, both parents will have to understand the rules involved and comply with these.
