Do you still have to pay child support if you live in a different state?
Asked by: Aaliyah Braun | Last update: January 22, 2026Score: 4.4/5 (28 votes)
Moving to another state does not relieve a parent of the obligation to pay child support. The parent paying support is still required to contribute out of state child support for the children's needs such as food, clothing, medical care, education, and shelter.
How does child support work if we live in different states?
For example, if the parent who's required to pay support moves from California to Colorado and falls behind in payments, the state of California has jurisdiction and the legal right to take action against that parent. If both parents move, the original issuing state can transfer its jurisdiction to that new location.
How to keep up with child support payments?
One way to keep making your child support payments and avoid the consequences of missing them is to take out a private loan. If you're already in arrears, those extra funds can be used to get caught up and to make it easier to meet future payments as you work through your financial situation.
What if the father lives in a different state?
An out-of-state custody agreement generally grants one parent sole physical custody and the other parent visitation rights. Although children benefit from spending time with both parents, courts don't want to force excessive travel.
How to avoid child support in PA?
- Your Child Reaches the Age of Maturity.
- Your Child Graduates High School.
- Your Child Becomes Emancipated.
- Your Child Enlists in the Military.
What happens if the children I'm paying child support for live in or move to another state?
Does Pennsylvania enforce out of state child support?
In this case, Pennsylvania can request that the other state register the existing order and assist in enforcing due to the absent parent residing in their jurisdiction. Out of state child support offices can implement the same enforcement measures and tools as Pennsylvania.
Does the state pay child support if the father doesn't?
To qualify to receive the other parent's tax refund for back child support, you need to make sure that you are enrolled in a tax intercept program, which you can do by contacting your local child support office or family law attorney While the state does not pay child support if the father doesn't, if you or your child ...
How does child custody work when you live in different states?
Living in different states typically does not allow for joint custody. While no law specifically prohibits it, it is hard to argue that having a child spend equal time in two states is in their best interest. Remember, the court's consideration of “best interest” will always be the core of their decision-making.
What state is best for father's rights?
Among the best states for fathers are also: Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin, which also tend to give fathers 50 percent custody.
What is the biggest mistake in custody battle?
The Most Common Mistakes Made in California Child Custody Cases. Failing to respond to a child custody case will not make the issue go away. Instead, it could lead to a default judgment. This means that whatever the other party is requesting will most likely be granted by the judge because you have not given any input.
What happens if I can't afford child support?
Failing to pay child support in California can have severe and far-reaching consequences. From monetary penalties and credit score damage to asset seizures and license suspensions, the repercussions are daunting.
How far behind in child support before a warrant is issued in PA?
There's no strict dollar amount or a specific number of months behind that automatically leads to a warrant. However, if the unpaid amount grows significantly and the payments are missed over a long period, enforcement actions usually escalate.
How much child support will I pay if I make $1000 a week?
Using a standard calculation, an individual earning $1,000 a week might pay around $250 per month for one child, though this figure can vary significantly based on specific circumstances and local county guidelines.
Is it illegal to collect child support if the child does not live with you in Florida?
Whoever the child lives with has custody. The mother can't collect child support if the child doesn't live with her. Child support would only be paid to the legal custodian, who the child lives with.
Does Colorado enforce out of state child support?
Colorado has UIFSA jurisdiction to enforce any other state's child support or spousal support order as long as it has a basis for jurisdiction over the respondent under C.R.S.
How much will I pay in child support in Texas?
For one child, the percentage of child support in Texas amounts to 20% of the parent's net monthly income. What is the percentage of child support in Texas for more than one child? The child support Texas percentage increases incrementally by 5% for each additional child, up to 40% for five children or more.
What state is the hardest on child support?
The varying yardsticks create some surprising results. For example, New Jersey ranks 47th in child support payments, even though it's one of the most expensive states in which to live. Massachusetts is first, and Nevada second.
Which gender wins more custody battles?
In fact, on the national average, a female parent is granted around 65% of custody time, whereas a male parent receives around 35%. Blogs covered in this blog: Numerous States award shared custody, with both female and male parents each granted a full 50% of the time with their children.
Which states favor the mother?
There are any number of reasons the myth persists that California favors mothers in custody disputes, but the law does not back them up. Other states have differing laws and it's possible people believe if it happens there, it can happen here.
How does child support work if parents live in different states?
Personal Jurisdiction
In most cases, a state court may enter an order requiring payment of money from a parent who lives outside California. The requirement is that the out-of-state parent has a specific connection to the other state.
What are the chances of a father getting 50/50 custody?
While it is not possible to provide an exact probability for a father obtaining 50/50 custody due to variations in individual circumstances and jurisdictional differences, research suggests that fathers who actively participate in their children's lives have better chances at securing equal or significant custodial ...
How to co-parent when you live in different states?
- Optimize communication between parents.
- Fully utilize available technology.
- Integrate into child's life.
- Enhance flexibility.
- Develop travel protocol.
Does giving up parental rights stop child support in California?
If your parental rights are terminated, and you owe child support that was ordered before your rights were terminated, you are still required to pay the amount owed. Note that the court, if requested to do so, may only order a termination of parental rights if someone else is prepared to adopt the child.
What is the biggest factor in calculating child support?
Parental Income
Both parents' gross income is a critical starting point. Income includes wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, rental income, dividends, unemployment benefits, and more. Courts also consider non-monetary perks like housing or vehicles provided by an employer.
Is it illegal to collect child support if the child does not live with you in Texas?
Effective September 1, 1999, Texas law states that a bio- logical father will become the legal father if both he and the mother sign an AOP. This makes him legally respon- sible for paying child support if he lives apart from the child and enables the court to grant him visitation or custody.