PAPA Lesson 6: Parents Who Don't Pay

1. Both parents are required by law to support their child until the age of 18.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Both parents are required by law to support their child until the age of 18. This statement is true. The law mandates that both parents have a legal obligation to provide financial support for their child until they reach the age of 18. This ensures that children receive the necessary care and resources for their well-being and development. It is important for parents to fulfill this responsibility to ensure the welfare of their child.

2. Noncustodial parents who are in the military do not have to pay child support.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Noncustodial parents who are in the military are still required to pay child support, so the statement is false. The correct choice is False.

3. Noncustodial parents with one child must pay 20 percent of their net income for child support and up to 9 percent for medical support.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The noncustodial parents with one child are required to pay 20 percent of their net income for child support and up to 9 percent for medical support. This statement is true. The correct choice is True.

4. The only person who can open a child support case with the Attorney General’s office is the parent who has physical custody of the child(ren).

• True
• False

5. If you fall way behind in your child support payments, the state can take away your driving and fishing license.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

If you fall way behind in your child support payments, the state can take away your driving and fishing license. This statement is true. Falling behind in child support payments can result in the state revoking your driving and fishing license as a consequence. It is important to stay up to date with your child support obligations to avoid such penalties.

6. When determining the amount of back child support owed to the other parent, the court gives noncustodial parents credit for buying diapers and baby clothes and giving the other parent cash.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

When determining the amount of back child support owed to the other parent, the court does not give noncustodial parents credit for buying diapers, baby clothes, or giving cash to the other parent. This means that the statement is false. The court only considers specific factors when calculating the amount of back child support owed. It is important to understand that the court does not take into account these types of expenses when making their decision.

7. Noncustodial parents who are not paying child support are not entitled to visitation.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Noncustodial parents who are not paying child support are entitled to visitation. This statement is false. The noncustodial parents who fail to pay child support may have their visitation rights restricted or suspended, but they are still entitled to visitation. It is important to separate financial obligations from visitation rights.

8. If a man doesn’t believe he’s the father, it’s OK for him to ignore a legal notice or summons to court stating that he’s the alleged father of a certain child.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

If a man doesn’t believe he’s the father, it is not acceptable for him to ignore a legal notice or summons to court stating that he’s the alleged father of a certain child. This is because ignoring such notices can have legal consequences. It is important for the man to respond to the notice and address the issue in court to establish his parental rights or disprove the claim. Ignoring the notice may result in a default judgment against him.

9. A court cannot order a man to pay child support unless paternity has been established first.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

In order for a court to order a man to pay child support, paternity must be established first. This ensures that the man is indeed the biological father of the child. The correct choice is True.

10. Custodial parents can only use child support to pay for items that go directly to the child(ren) listed on the child support order.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Child support can be used by custodial parents for expenses that directly benefit the child(ren) listed on the support order. This means that items like education, healthcare, and basic needs can be covered. In this case, the statement is false because custodial parents are not limited to using child support for items that go directly to the child(ren) only.