Why can the law tell me what to do when it comes to my child(ren)?

As noted, it is in the interests of the state and the court to make sure that children do not slip into poverty, and that they have the ability to grow up to become happy, productive members of society.

It may seem as though only divorced or separated parents have to pay child support, and on the surface this is true. However, the state will step in and order child support for children of an intact marriage if the lack of support would constitute abuse or neglect. All parents are required to provide the necessities of life for their children. Child support for divorced parents or parents living apart are just more prevalent. Child support is a legal obligation of each parent.