Which rule applies to both parents in terms of child support obligations?

The principle that both parents are responsible for supporting their child, regardless of their marital status, is grounded in the legal obligation to provide for children’s basic needs. This responsibility is established to protect the welfare of the child and is enforced regardless of whether the parents are married, divorced, or never married. Courts typically hold both parents accountable for contributing to the financial support of their child, often through child support orders when applicable.

This obligation is rooted in the belief that both parents have a shared responsibility to ensure their child's well-being and needs are met financially. Child support calculations take into account various factors, including each parent's income, the needs of the child, and custody arrangements, ensuring that both parents contribute in a fair manner to the child's upbringing. The law aims to promote the child's best interests by enforcing this shared responsibility, leading to more equitable outcomes in support arrangements.

The concept of child support being optional based on income overlooks the legal standards that mandate financial support regardless of a parent's financial situation. Similarly, the idea that only one parent can be held accountable at a time is misleading as both parents can be required to contribute, and the assertion that only the custodial parent is responsible disregards the legal stipulations that govern child support responsibilities.