Child Support

San Jose Family Lawyer

Even when parents decide they no longer want to be married to each other, the parent who is not given residential custody of the children is not released from his or her obligation to support the children. Child support is the payment given by one parent to the other to ensure that the children are well provided for.

In family law and government policy, child support or child maintenance is the ongoing obligation for a periodic (typically monthly) payment made directly, or indirectly, by a non-custodial parent to a custodial parent, caregiver, guardian, or the government for the case and support of children. Child support frequently supplements alimony arrangements that have been made.

The right to child support and the responsibilities of parents to provide support for their children have been recognized internationally. The 1992 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child declared that the upbringing, development, and standard of living for children of divorced couples are the responsibility of parents and a fundamental right of the children.

Each child support arrangement is unique and is the result of complex negotiations. Some states have created formulas to determine how much needs to be given to a parent in order to support the children adequately.

Contact a San Jose Divorce Lawyer

If you are going through the divorce process or feel you need to re-negotiate a child support or custody agreement, contact San Jose family lawyer Daniel Jensen at 408-296-4100.