Well, let's see now.
YOU SAID:
I suppose that if the two are completely separate in that one has no effect on the other, parents all over the country without custody should be getting child support...correct?
The fact is, this poster, regardless of 'feelings' doesn't know what will happen tomorrow. She can be homeless and on state aid or she can land a fortune in probate.
However, the law requires BOTH parents, regardless of custody, to financially support the child. And even if the two of them are the best of friends, all such 'agreements' should be reduced to a court order.
Now, why your little uninformed pea brain may ask?
Scenario: (it happens all the time). They continue without any type of formal order from the court. Daddy dearest gets remarried and completes a will leaving everything to his new wife.
Then, in the throes of passion on his wedding night, he has a heart attack and dies.
Guess what? The child is left not only without a father but without a penny. Based on your advice here and in other threads, so what? After all, it's still all goody feelings.
Whereas, if there is a formal court order for support, then the child, through her guardian, has a claim on the father's estate and support will continue until majority or the order stipulates.
THAT, PA fool, is why people actually study the law. So others may benefit.