Below is a list of legal terms commonly used in Child Support.  Many of the terms are used in the forms you are required to fill out when opening a support case.

ADJUDICATED or Adj: an action or decision that has been made in court.

AFFIDAVIT:  A sworn statement in writing.  Affidavits must be notarized.

ARREARS:  overdue payments or debts.

CUSTODIAL PARENT or CST or CP:  The parent who has custody of the child(ren).

DEFENDANT:  The parent required to answer in a legal action.  In Child Support cases, this is the non-custodial parent.

DEPENDANT CHILD: Any person, who is not otherwise emancipated, self-supporting or a member of the Armed Forces of the United States, who is:

            1. Under the age of 18 years;  or
            2. Under 19 years of age and who is a student in high school.

 GROSS INCOME:  The income before taxes and other obligations are paid.

NON-CUSTODIAL PARENT or NCP: The parent who does not have custody of the minor child(ren).

OBLIGOR:  The parent who pays support.

OBLIGEE:  The parent who is to receive support.

PETITIONER:  The parent who is making the request for support.

PLAINTIFF:  The complaining party in a legal action. In Child Support cases, this is the custodial parent.

RESPONDENT:  The parent who must respond to the legal action.  In Child Support cases, this is the non-custodial parent.

UNADJUDICATED:  Arrears that are owed but there is no judgment or court order for this amount.