How is Child Support Calculated? An Overview

How is child support calculated is one of the first questions that many parents have to address in child custody and child support disputes.
One of the most difficult aspects of a divorce is deciding child custody and child support payments.
Many divorce documents strive to outline these issues clearly and evenly so that the best interests of the child can be met. Still, for the parent having to pay they may be left wondering how child support is calculated?

The child support guidelines set into place by the Federal government require that each state follow a formula for deciding child support payments. Although the formula can vary from state to state, there has to be rules enforce to ensure that no one is taken advantage of unjustly. Obviously, child support is calculated based on income; but it isn’t just income that constitutes payments.

The courts also consider many things when handing down child support payments to a non-custodial parent. The needs of the child and their standard of living as well as considerations for all other children the non-custodial parent has are first and foremost. They also consider the abilities of the non-custodial parent to make ends meet and take care of themselves. Each state has a unique formula for deciding how child support payments are calculated.

Large expenses such as daycare, college expenses, tuitions and other high dollar financial responsibilities are usually dealt with separately from the initial child support agreement. If your child has special needs, these too are figured into the equation.

Depending on where you live, you may find that just the non-custodial parent’s income and other net assets are considered. In other jurisdictions across the US both parents’ incomes are figured into the equation in attempt to be fair to both parents.

When both parents are held responsible the amount; child support is split into shares and each parent has to pay equally. This is often the case when both parents are working and are self sufficient. Some states requires these parents to set up accounts where money is placed for the routine care of the child with the custodial parent having access.

In other states where just the non-custodial parent’s income and assets are involved, you may find that they have a percentage system based on the amount of kids you have in relation to your income. Most states mandate at least 20% for one child while some require child support payments to equal up to 30% for one child. It is best to check with your state child support agency ahead of time to get an idea of what schedule payments will be set at.

Also realize that the court overseeing the divorce and custody has the final say and is able to make revisions as deemed necessary to your particular situation. For instance, if you a full time high paying job and your spouse was a stay at home parent; more money may be allocated for a certain time period.

Obviously it is difficult to think of everything when calculating child support payments. Some of the factors considered are often special medical needs for your child, who provides medical insurance and extraordinary care expenses like tuition or daycare can cause child support payments to increase or decrease.

There are many states that have no statutes in regard to college funding or other large expenses, while other states may require set fees to be placed in savings to prepare for these events. Largely, this depends on what the parents feel is important for their child.

Unfortunately, many parents who pay child support experience job transitions or changes that hamper their abilities to pay. If you feel that child support payments you owe are extraordinary or disable you to support yourself your best option is to hire an attorney in the state you reside in or contact a mediator.

Many provisional can be undertaken to protect your rights and you may be able to get a temporary reduction. The biggest mistake that any parent who owes child support can make is to simply not pay. From losing your license to having your bank account seized or being sentenced to jail; this will only make a bad situation worse.

The ultimate goal of child support is to enable your child to receive the financial and emotional support they deserve and would have experienced had you not divorced your spouse. It is their well being that has to be monitored and children should not have to pay for the problems that parents have. By remaining open and honest about your income and other earnings and keeping your emotions under control so you and your ex can partner in decision making, you will find that child support payments can be calculated and negotiated fairly.

Realize of course, that the final determination is made by the courts and unless both parties are in total agreement of a self created schedule; the courts will use the formula in place to decide on child support payments. One great tool is to find a child support payment calculator for the state you reside in to see what might be expected of you.
For a more in depth look at ALL of the issues surrounding child support, including the approach of individual states and how to calculate child support yourself, I recommend this book very highly.