Child Support Agreement
Legal arrangement for financial support of a child.
Detailed Explanation
A Child Support Agreement is a legal document that establishes one parent's financial obligation to support their child. The agreement specifies the amount of support, payment frequency, method of payment, and duration. It typically addresses who pays for health insurance, medical expenses, educational costs, and extracurricular activities. Child support calculations are usually based on state guidelines considering each parent's income, custody arrangement, and the child's needs. The agreement can be reached by mutual consent or ordered by a court. It's enforceable through various means including wage garnishment, tax refund intercepts, and license suspension for non-payment. The agreement can be modified if circumstances substantially change, such as changes in income or custody arrangements. Child support generally continues until the child reaches majority age or finishes high school.