Which of the following describes child support payments?

Child support payments are classified as payments that are made pursuant to a legal obligation or court order. This means that they are not discretionary or voluntary; rather, they are mandated by the legal system to ensure that a child receives financial support from the non-custodial parent. The establishment of child support is typically formalized through a court decision, which outlines the amount, frequency, and conditions of the payments to meet the needs of the child.

The context of the other options helps clarify the distinction. Voluntary payments might be made as a gesture of goodwill but do not constitute legal child support obligations. Payments directed towards college tuition or housing expenses may be aspects of broader financial support but are not defined as child support unless specifically ordered by a court. Therefore, the precise definition and requirement of child support are captured accurately in the correct choice regarding legal obligations.