Child support must be paid to the custodial parent by the non-custodial parent. The way the system is set up is to ensure that non-custodial parents do what they are supposed to and should do. Some say the federal government shouldn't force parents to pay this amount, but for some, if it were up to the non-custodial parent to care for the child alone, they probably wouldn't. The system ensures the honesty of all parties involved. Child support is a court-ordered fund paid by the non-custodial parent to help the custodial parent raise their child. Child support usually comes to the fore when parents are divorced or separated. The payment amount is based on the income of the non-custodial parent and the custodial parents. A formula is used to decide what the noncustodial parent must pay. Child support is paid until the child turns 18 and graduates from high school. In some cases, this continues until the child graduates from college. Child support was introduced in 1975 by the federal government to help noncustodial parents care for the child or children when a parent is absent. When non-custodial parents are asked if they pay child support, the most prominent complaint is that the custodial parent is not using the money given to the custodial parent by the system to care for the child. In the state of North Carolina, the custodial parent does not have to show where or how the child support money is spent. In some other states, it is required that the custodial parent keep receipts for clothing, food, and household bills, such as water and lights. This is a monitoring system that allows the non-custodial parent to see that the money is being used for the child. Stricter regulations mean that a p...... middle of paper ......o helps care for the child in question. This must be a top priority for every state. Having the noncustodial parent pay and continue to pay child support ensures that the child's needs can be met. Even though the noncustodial parent may care about their child, some are simply not willing to do what it takes to care for a child and are therefore forced by the state to do so. You never know when someone will change their mind, start acting differently, and decide they no longer want to care for their child. With stricter regulations, a parent should take care of their child regardless of the circumstances. They either care for their child voluntarily or involuntarily. Asking the state to stop and take care of those who don't have to pay and enforce the rules and regulations on them could make a difference in a child's life..