Q: Can a mother file for child support just to collect a check? Even if the father takes care of the child?
A: Child support is awarded based on the number of overnights the child spends with each parent per year and the amount of combined income of both parents, and each parent's share of that combined income. It also takes into account the cost of health insurance, work-related daycare expenses and extracurricular activities for the child. It is intended to equalize income to cover the expenses of raising a child at the income level of both parents as if they were living together raising the child, so that the child is not deprived of the level of lifestyle both parents can afford for them. In light of these considerations, rethink your question, and add relevant facts like where the child sleeps at night throughout the year, and each party's monthly gross income. The Child Support Guidelines are basically a formula, and that information determines the amount of child support that gets paid to the parent who has the child for most overnight custody. Better, consult a lawyer in private.
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