Child support orders are issued during divorce proceedings and specify the amount of child support one spouse must pay the other to support and care for their child
Issued by a divorce court, a child support order sets out the sum that the noncustodial parent must pay the custodial parent for the child’s basic living needs and expenses, such as food, clothing, and shelter.
In addition, if the payor of support becomes delinquent in their payment obligations yet has the financial means to make such support payments but refuses, the noncustodial parent will face government-enforced collection and can be cited for contempt of court and be jailed.
Under federal law, each state must assist the custodial parent in collecting and enforcing child support orders.
