Child support is intended to meet the needs of children.  The courts will attempt to minimize the impact and disruption to the children due to a divorce.  One way they do this is by ordering one of the parents to pay child support.

Divorces are displeasing but arguably a necessary step that some couples decide is unavoidable.  Even if the couple is better off with a divorce, many times the couple’s children are usually not.  Ensuring that the children will be cared for financially is one way the courts attempt to minimize the negative impact a divorce may have upon children. 

In most cases, child support is calculated by a formula that takes into account the physical custodial arrangement between parents, gross monthly income, and the number of children involved.  Child support covers the money needed to clothe, feed, and house the child.  Other needs to be covered by child support payments may include the costs of childcare, healthcare costs, and health insurance premiums for the child.