Which of the following statements regarding child support is true?

The statement that child support is the payment by one parent to support a common child is accurate. In the context of New York family law, child support is a financial obligation that one parent has to contribute towards the upbringing of their child, which is particularly significant when parents are separated or divorced. This support is intended to cover various expenses related to the child's everyday needs, such as food, clothing, education, and health care.

Understanding child support in this light clarifies the nature of the obligation. It is not optional; the law mandates that parents provide for their children, and it cannot be waived simply by agreement between the parents unless it is in the child's best interest and approved by the court. Furthermore, the duration of child support can extend beyond the child's 18th birthday under certain circumstances, such as if the child is still in high school or has special needs.

Additionally, child support calculations take into account several factors, which include the income of both parents and the needs of the child, rather than being determined solely by the income of the receiving parent. This multifaceted approach ensures that the child's welfare remains the primary focus in determining the appropriate amount of support.