When parents get a divorce, one parent is usually granted custody of the child or children. This parent is the one that the child lives with the majority of the time. The non-custodial parent will often be ordered to pay child support to the custodial parent. Child support is used to pay for the care and support of the child or children involved. Child support could be used to help pay for clothing, medical costs, food, shelter, or educational costs. In most divorce cases, the judge determines the amount of child support to be paid based on the income of both parents and the earning potential of both parents. In most divorce cases, child support will be paid until the child or children in question reach 18 years of age.
