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Calculate Child Support in Minutes
The 50-state Child Support Calculator provides a fast, state-aware estimate you can use as a starting point for negotiations. Choose the state where you live below—it takes about 2 minutes to see your estimate.
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Child Support: Frequently Asked Questions
Discover what you need to know about Child Support Laws in United States
Short answer: Generally no. SSI (needs-based) is protected from garnishment. SSDI (insurance benefits) can be garnished, and dependent benefits paid to the child usually count toward support.
Short answer: No. Child support you pay isn’t tax-deductible, and child support you receive isn’t taxable income.
Short answer: If you owe $2,500+ in arrears reported to the federal program, your U.S. passport application or renewal can be denied until you make arrangements and are certified as compliant.
Short answer: No, not unilaterally. Child support is the child’s right; only a court can modify or terminate an order.
Short answer: Traditional child support starts after birth; some states let you seek pregnancy-related expenses (medical, etc.) beforehand.
Short answer: Often you must establish paternity and file first; some states allow retroactive support (how far back varies). Talk to local counsel about your state’s rules.
Short answer: Possibly. Courts can use contempt (including jail) if you willfully fail to pay despite ability to do so. Agencies also use wage garnishment, license suspensions, and liens.
Short answer: Depends on the state. Many allow retroactive support back to the filing date; some allow further back (e.g., to birth) when paternity wasn’t established.
Short answer: Usually not when the donation is through a licensed clinic with proper agreements. Private arrangements without legal safeguards can create liability in some states.
Short answer: Courts set periodic payments; “prepaying” may be treated as an overpayment or even a gift unless the court approves a different structure.
Short answer: Not automatically. The custodial parent generally claims the child unless they sign Form 8332 (or meet IRS tie-breaker rules).
Short answer: Nonpayment alone isn’t a typical direct ground for removal, but arrears can hurt immigration benefits and trigger criminal or civil penalties that may have immigration consequences. Get an immigration-savvy attorney.
Short answer: Often no without court approval—especially if arrears are owed to the state (e.g., after public assistance). Courts decide based on the child’s interest and state law.
Short answer: Maybe. Arrears can lead to claims or liens; some states allow intercepts or court orders affecting proceeds, especially if the policy was part of a support order.
Short answer: Yes. You can establish support if none exists, or modify an existing order when circumstances change.
Short answer: Yes. Agencies can issue withholding orders and levy non-wage income. Independent contractors aren’t exempt.
Short answer: Not usually. Federal limits under the CCPA cap withholding at roughly 50–65% of disposable earnings, depending on other dependents and arrears.
Short answer: Often yes for SSDI/retirement, no for SSI. Arrears can be collected from SSDI or Social Security retirement benefits through garnishment/offset. But SSI (needs-based) is protected from child-support garnishment. If you’re unsure which benefit you have, check your award letter or My Social Security account.
Short answer: Often yes. If you owe arrears, many states allow child-support agencies to place a lien or levy against personal-injury or other legal settlements. Lawyers frequently must check for child-support liens before releasing funds, and part of the settlement may be withheld to satisfy the debt. Rules vary by state and by the type of settlement—ask your attorney or local child-support agency.
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