What is child support? How is it awarded?

What will be an ideal response?

The noncustodial parent is obligated to contribute to the financial support of his or her biological and adopted children. This includes a 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 determines 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, standard of living of the children prior to termination of the marriage, 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, graduates from high school, or emancipates himself or herself by voluntarily choosing to live on his or her own.