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

Both Marcille and Sterling also opted out of receiving alimony and child support, which alludes to them ending things on civil terms. —Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 3 Oct. 2024

Tyrese Gibson pushed back Tuesday about his arrest in Georgia after he was held in contempt of court for failing to pay child support. —Nardine Saad, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2024

His legal and financial problems include unpaid child support and questionable campaign spending. —Steve Karnowski, Twin Cities, 9 Aug. 2024

Otherwise, the case appeared to proceed to splitting their assets and agreeing to a visitation and child support schedule common to divorces involving children. —Ronald J. Hansen, The Arizona Republic, 17 Oct. 2024

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.