Explain some of the basic features of child support

What will be an ideal response?

As a result of a divorce, one of the spouses will receive custody of the child or children, and the other spouse—the noncustodial parent—will receive visitation rights, as well as the obligation to pay child support. The noncustodial parent is obligated to contribute to the expenses of paying for the financial support of his or her natural and adopted children. This includes the child's costs for food, shelter, clothing, medical expenses, and other necessities of life. This payment is called child support. The custodial and noncustodial parents may agree to the amount of child support. If they do not, the court will determine the amount of child support to be paid. In awarding child support, the court may consider several factors, including the number of children, the needs of the children, the net income of the parents, the standard of living of the child prior to the termination of the marriage, any special medical or other needs of the children, and other factors the court deems relevant. The duty to pay child support usually continues until a child reaches the age of majority or graduates from high school or is emancipated. To help in determining the amount of child support, many states have adopted a formula for computing the amount of child support. These formulas are usually based on a percentage of the noncustodial parent's income. An award of child support may be modified if conditions change. For example, an award of child support may be decreased if the noncustodial parent loses his or her job. Child support modifications require court approval.