August is Child Support Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of the financial support parents provide to their children and to thank parents who consistently pay child support they owe. This recognition was first introduced in 1995 by then-president Bill Clinton.
Why is Child Support Necessary?
Child support can cause conflict and frustration between co-parents. Collecting and providing the money can be a source of contention, leading both parents feeling angry with each other. Some people owed child support label the other parent as a dead beat and the person paying the support feels used and trapped, especially if they don’t believe all the money is being used “properly.” The economic burden increases for the paying parent dramatically as s/he has to support themselves (and perhaps another family if s/he remarries) in addition to contributing to the care of his/her first child(ren). That sacrifice though, while difficult and sometimes a bit overwhelming, is a worthwhile endeavor.
Children need the support of both parents in all aspects of life, including financial. According to attorney Robert J. Adinolfi, a lawyer in New Jersey, “Data shows that children who receive sufficient and consistent child support allow the family to self-maintain and do not need to rely on public assistance programs such as Welfare. Moreover, the benefits for a child that receives financial support from both parents extend to other areas. Statistics reveal that these kids perform better in school and develop less behavioral problems that can last through adulthood.”
According to FindLaw.com, child support is required to not only cover basic needs, like food and clothing, but other expenses as well, such as school fees, medical care, and entertainment. When determining child support, a court often takes many factors into consideration, such as parental income and ability to pay, the financial needs of the child, and the amount of support needed to maintain a child’s standard of living.
Get Answers to Your Child Support Questions
Child support laws vary by state. Learn about Wyoming’s statutes and download a free e-book on Wyoming’s Child Support Enforcement Program for a better idea of what takes place in our state.
You can also learn more during a free program offered by True Care Women’s Resource Center, which takes place on Thursday, August 24. This presentation, conducted by staff with the Wyoming Child Support Program Office, is open to the public; however, space is limited, therefore, a reservation is required. Call 307-472-2810 or email info@truecarecasper.org before August 22. The event, held at the center located at 1746 South Poplar, begins at 5:30 pm and pizza will be served. A question-and-answer time will be allotted at the end of the presentation.
If you want to know your rights and obligations as a parent in Wyoming regarding child support, sign up for this free event by contacting True Care.