Child Support Is a Court Order: What Both Parents Need to Know

Child support doesn't always end when circumstances change, and an informal agreement between parents doesn't necessarily change what the court order requires.

Jarrod Oxendine and Christine Palmer discuss what both the person paying and the person receiving child support need to understand once an order is in place. They explain why child support cannot simply be reduced when a child graduates, why voluntarily paying extra generally doesn't create a credit toward future obligations, and why changes need to be addressed through the proper modification process. 

They cover common mistakes that can create problems later, including attempting to prepay child support, substituting expenses or purchases for the required payment, withholding parenting time because support hasn't been paid, and failing to keep clear payment records. 

For parents whose financial circumstances have significantly changed, Jarrod and Christine explain when a modification may be appropriate, why acting quickly matters, and what to do if you can no longer afford your existing obligation. 

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About Jarrod OxendineJarrod Oxendine is the founder of Oxendine Law, a premier family law firm dedicated to helping clients navigate the complexities of divorce with strategic clarity, dignity, and unwavering protection.