Definition

Noun: A regular financial payment made by one individual to another, typically as mandated by a legal agreement or court order, to provide for that person's living expenses. This term most commonly refers to payments for child support or spousal support (alimony).

Usage

This term is used in legal and financial contexts to describe obligatory payments for maintenance. It is a formal, compound noun.

Examples

• The court ordered him to make a support payment of $500 each month for his children.
• She relies on the regular support payment from her ex-husband to cover basic household costs.
• Failure to make the court-ordered support payment can result in legal penalties.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often specified further as child support payment or spousal support payment to clarify the recipient.
• It can be part of administrative language, such as in "enforcement of support payments" or "arrears in support payments."

Variants and Related Words

• Child Support (n): A specific type of support payment for the financial care of one's children.
• Alimony / Spousal Support (n): A specific type of support payment for a former spouse.
• Maintenance (n): A broader legal term for financial support that includes support payments.

Synonyms

• Maintenance payment
• Alimony (specifically for a spouse)
• Child support (specifically for children)

Antonyms

• Gift
• Voluntary contribution

Related Phrases

• To be in arrears on support payments: To be behind or late in making the required payments.
• To garnish wages for support payments: To legally deduct money directly from a person's paycheck to fulfill the payment obligation.

Noun

1. a payment made by one person for the support of another