What is retroactive child support?

Retroactive child support refers to the payment of child support that was not paid during a previous period, typically from the date of separation/divorce to the present day. This can happen when a parent was not ordered to pay child support or did not pay the court-ordered amount on time, and the custodial parent seeks payment for back child support. The amount that is owed may be calculated based on the guidelines for child support in the relevant state or through negotiations between the parties. Retroactive child support can be requested in court, and may also be used as a bargaining tool in negotiations regarding child custody and visitation rights.