I'm a stepmom too. But, I get very offended when people believe they are supporting the BM's lifestyle by paying child support. Child support is based on the total income of the parents. It is split between the two in proportion to income. Both parents are required to pay child support. Obviously the person with whom the children live would not actually produce this income because it SHOULD be going back into the household to provide the everyday necessities of the children, including food, clothing and shelter.