Is legal action needed to force a parent to pay child support?

Yes. The only way to make a parent pay support is to get a support order, which must be signed by a judge. A promise or agreement to pay is not enough.
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How is child support ordered?

Child support can be ordered in divorce and custody cases. It is ordered when one parent has custody of the child and also when there is joint custody. Child support can also be ordered without a divorce or custody case through the Division of Child Support. DCS will get a child support order if the parent with custody is now getting welfare for the children or if that parent did in the past...
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How is the amount of child support decided?

Oregon has a “Child Support Guidelines Calculator” that is used to determine child support. The guidelines take into account many factors, including the incomes of the parents, other children the parents may have to support, and work-related day care costs for the children.
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