Why would people refuse child support?

Why would a parent refuse child support? Well there are several reasons. Most child support cases involve determining a fair amount to be paid or attempting to get the money that is owed from a parent who refuses to pay. However, in a small amount of cases, the parent who is supposed to collect the money will refuse it. This seems so contrary to what people typically want that it's interesting to look at some of the common reasons why it happens.

First off, there are parents who simply want to do everything on their own. They do not want to be tied to the other parent in any way, and they see child support as a link that makes them less independent. They also know that they make enough that they don't desperately need that money.

Additionally, some parents do not want the other parent to have any contact or involvement with their child. There can be many reasons for this, including safety reasons or simply thinking the other parent is a bad influence. It could also stem from a bad breakup. These parents want so little involvement that they don't even want support money.

On the other end of things, some parents refuse support to be nice. They think that the other parent will be angry if they try to get support and they want to stay on good terms. They are willing to forgo money to keep the relationship good, both for them and for their child. There are even situations where biological mothers are legally entitled to child support from a sperm donor, but refuse it.

These are all important things to consider when looking at child support, though it's important to note that you may have a right to support and that there are legal actions you can take in Virginia to ensure that you get it.

Source: Parents, "Refusing Child Support," Julia, accessed May. 22, 2015