child support

noun

: payment for the support of the children of divorced or separated parents while the children are minors or as otherwise legally required compare alimony

Examples of child support in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Zoom in: The bureau's website helps users navigate child support enforcement, paying debts and wage garnishment. —April Rubin, Axios, 3 Feb. 2025

Chris Felder, based in Sarasota, is an advocate for family legal system reform with over a decade of experience working to address challenges across family courts, law enforcement, DCF, schools and child support enforcement. —Chris Felder, Sun Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2025

None of those actions, however, involve doing anything to change the law around child support. —Nate Trela, USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2025

In a divorce settlement with Nicole Brown Simpson, OJ Simpson was ordered to pay $10,000 per month in child support plus a one-time payment of $433,750 ($730,000 after adjusting for inflation). —Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 29 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

child support

noun

: payment for the support of the children of divorced or separated parents while the children are minors or as otherwise legally required compare alimony

Legal Definition

child support

noun

: payment made for the support of the children of divorced or separated parents while the children are minors or until they reach an age set by the separation agreement or in a court order compare alimony

Note: Child support is usually paid by the parent who is without custody. In the case of joint custody, both parents usually pay child support.