Legal Definitions - support order

A support order is a legal decision made by a court that requires one party, usually in a divorce or paternity case, to make regular payments to support a child or spouse. These payments can include expenses for medical care, dental care, and education.

For example, if a couple gets divorced and they have a child together, the court may issue a support order requiring one parent to make regular payments to help support the child's needs. This could include payments for things like school tuition, medical bills, and other expenses related to the child's care.

Another example could be in a paternity case where a man is found to be the father of a child. The court may issue a support order requiring the father to make regular payments to help support the child's needs.

Overall, a support order is a legal tool used to ensure that children and spouses receive the financial support they need to live a healthy and stable life.