Divorce is an unfortunate situation, but it is made more difficult when children are involved. Regardless of the custody situation that is worked out between the parents, they are both responsible for continuing to financially support their children.
The wife of music producer and artist Timbaland recently filed for divorce after five years of marriage. She is requesting that he pay child support for their daughter, as well as her son from a previous relationship, stating that Timbaland treated the child as his own in public and in private. She is also asking for rehabilitative and permanent alimony, as well as money for insurance, vacations and camp and private school for the children. Finally, she would like the court to order that he pay for her legal fees as well.
Children are entitled to be financially supported by both of their parents. This is true even in the event that parents get divorced. Typically, the child will live the majority of the time with one parent, who is the custodial parent. The other parent, the non-custodial parent, may be ordered by the court to pay child support to assist with the costs associated with raising the child. To determine the required amount, the state of Georgia applies a shared income method. This method factors in both parent's incomes, health insurance and daycare costs, among many other variables, to find the proper amount on a rate table. A court may only adjust from this amount if legitimate reasons are present that necessitate such an order.
Parents seeking a divorce must understand their rights and responsibilities regarding child support, whether they are the custodial or non-custodial parent. Although they may only have visitation rights with their child, they are still required to provide for their child financially. Parents may seek the assistance of a family law attorney to help them deal with the intricacies of child support matters.
Source: Atlanta Black Star, "Timbaland's Wife Monique Mosley Files For Divorce," Tracy, Oct. 17, 2013