What is Child Support?

Child support, or child maintenance, differs from alimony, it is a another financial obligation that a court can impose in a divorce or legal separation proceeding. After a court determines the child custody arrangement, the court may also order the non-custodial parent to pay child support to the custodial caregiver, guardian or parent for the support and care of a child or children. In some instances, a court may order child support even if the parties are not married, if a child's paternity can be established.