Child support is the payment of funds from a parent to their child, or from one spouse to the other, for the purpose of providing financial support. In some cases, child support may be ordered by a court. The court will also order a parent to pay for certain expenses that are related to raising the child. Child support payments are typically paid monthly and can be changed if there is a change in circumstances. Child support payments can go up or down depending on how much time each parent spends with their children and how much money they make.