Can child support obligations be negotiated away according to the law?

The assertion that child support obligations cannot be negotiated away is rooted in the principle that these obligations are not merely private agreements between parents, but rather legal duties that serve the best interests of the child. Child support is mandated by law to ensure that the financial needs of children are met, facilitating their welfare and development.

Legal systems prioritize the rights of children over the preferences of parents, establishing that a child's entitlement to support is a fundamental right. As such, any agreements between parents to waive or reduce child support obligations require court approval to ensure that they are in alignment with the child's best interests and do not undermine their financial security.

While circumstances around child support can change—such as when a child reaches a certain age or in situations involving substantial changes in income or financial need—these changes must be evaluated and approved by a court to ensure compliance with statutory requirements. Thus, the law emphasizes the child's right to support, making it clear that parental agreements alone cannot eliminate these obligations.