<P> Child support paid by a non-custodial parent or obligor, does not absolve the obligor of the responsibility for costs associated with their child staying with the obligor in their home during visitation . For example, if an obligor pays child support to an obligee, this does not mean that the obligee is responsible for food, shelter, furniture, toiletries, clothes, toys or games, or any of the other child expenses directly associated with the child staying with the non-custodial parent or obligor . </P> <P> In most jurisdictions there is no need for the parents to be married, and only paternity and / or maternity (filiation) need to be demonstrated for a child support obligation to be found by a competent court . Child support may also operate through the principle of estoppel where a de facto parent that is in loco parentis for a sufficient time to establish a permanent parental relationship with the child or children . </P> <P> Canadian courts differ in that the "Divorce Act" sets out in detail, the financial responsibilities of the "Non-Custodial" parent whilst the "Custodial" parent's responsibilities are not mentioned . Consequently, Canadian courts limit themselves to dividing the "Non-Custodial" parents income and providing it to the "Custodial" parent . While the courts recognize that the child has an "expectation of support from both parents", there is no legal precedent under the "Divorce Act" indicating that the "Custodial" parent has any obligation to support the child . In addition, courts have vehemently opposed any attempt by "Non Custodial" parents to ensure "Child Support" is actually used for the child . </P> <P> While the issues of child support and visitation or contact may be decided in the same divorce or paternity settlement, in most jurisdictions the two rights and obligations are completely separate and individually enforceable . Custodial parents may not withhold contact to "punish" a noncustodial parent for failing to pay some or all child support required . Conversely, a noncustodial parent is required to pay child support even if they are partially or fully denied contact with the child . Furthermore, child support is established between parents also if joint custody is awarded, but the child spends most of the time with one of the parents . </P>

When does a man have to pay child support