What is the sword and shield approach in the context of child support?

The sword and shield approach in the context of child support refers to a technique where one party uses child support obligations as both a means of enforcing payment (the "sword") and as a defense against potential reductions or claims made by another party, usually in the context of ensuring that existing support obligations are maintained (the "shield").

In practical terms, this means that an individual may actively pursue enforcement of child support payments while simultaneously protecting against challenges that could lead to a reduction in support for their other children or obligations. This approach is particularly significant for parents who feel that their financial responsibilities to one family should not be diminished by new obligations that stem from a second family, thereby ensuring that the needs of all children are met satisfactorily.

The other options describe various other aspects but do not reflect the twofold function of the sword and shield concept. Increasing support payments or managing finances between two families, for instance, does not encapsulate the protective and assertive dual nature of this legal strategy. Similarly, the mention of legal representation relates to the procedural aspects but doesn’t encapsulate the specific defense mechanism inherent in the sword and shield approach.