The way that child support is ordered, paid and received varies from state to state, so always check with a local attorney or other informed agency when you feel that you are due child support. Indiana Child Support is based on the non-custodial parent's income and can look for both current and prior income sources to determine the amount that is due to the child. There are no set rules for how that money is spent, and the money is not intended to be used solely as spending cash for the child alone. Child support can be used for household expenses, including utility bills that will certainly have benefits for other family members as well as for the child or children in question. Parents cannot withhold support as a way to get back at their former spouse or as a means to modify custody arrangements and visitation schedules. The need for each spouse to be part of the child's life should be the first thought for both parents and petty squabbles and differences need to be overlooked for the sake of the children.