Child support must be paid to the custodial parent by the non-custodial parent. The way the system is put in place is to make sure 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, but for some if it were left to the non-custodial parent to care for the child alone, they probably wouldn't. The system keeps all parties involved honest. Child support is a court-ordered fund paid by the non-custodial parent to help the custodial parent raise their child. Child support is usually brought to attention 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 how much the non-custodial parent must pay. Child support is paid until the child turns 18 and graduates from high school. In some cases it continues until the child graduates from college. Child support was brought into existence in 1975 by the federal government to help non-custodial parents care for the child(ren) when a parent is absent. When non-custodial parents are asked whether to pay child support, the biggest complaint is that the custodial parent does not use the money given to the custodial parent by the system to care for the child. In the state of North Carolina, a custodial parent is not required to show where or how child support money is spent. In some other states, the custodial parent is required to keep receipts for clothing, food, and household bills, such as water and electricity. This is a system of control so that the non-custodial parent can see that the money is being used for the child. Stricter regulations mean that a p...... middle of paper ......o helps to care for the child in question. This must be a top priority for every state. Having the noncustodial parent pay child support and continue to pay ensures that the child's needs can be met. Even though the non-custodial parent can care for their child, some are simply not willing to do what is necessary to care for a child, so they are forced by the state to do so. You never know when a person will change their mind and start acting differently and decide that they no longer want to take care of their child. With stricter standards a parent should take care of their child, whatever the circumstances. They either take care of their child voluntarily or involuntarily. Having the state stop and look at those who don't have to pay and enforce rules and regulations on them could make a difference in a child's life.