The situation: After divorce the parents fight over custody of a three-year-old, and the father assumes that if he loses custody he owes nothing.
Applicable law: Custody is decided by the 'best interests of the child': a child under two usually stays with the mother; from two up, circumstances matter (stability, care, environment); a child of eight or older is consulted. The non-custodial parent must pay support (usually a reasonable share of income) and has visitation rights. Both custody and support can be modified if circumstances change.
Outcome: The mother was granted custody, and the father was ordered to pay monthly support with regular visitation.
👪 Family & divorce · Awareness case
Custody and Child Support — The Child's Interest Comes First · Yalla China
🤝 Governing law: 民法典(婚姻家庭编)/ Civil Code (Marriage and Family)
Who gets custody, and does the other parent's support duty end?
Illustrative, general educational examples — not real specific facts and not legal advice; for awareness only. For an actual situation, consult a licensed lawyer.
🎓 The lesson / takeaway
Lesson: Losing custody doesn't end your duty to support and visit. The child holds the first right — the decision serves the child, not the parents.
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026
