What Is The Average Amount For Child Support?
What is the average amount for child support is a common question posed by parents of children in child custody disputes.
Unfortunately there is no average payment for child support as each case will be decided on it’s merits.
Child Support Guidelines
Each state has it’s own guidelines in relation to child support and you will need to check out the website of your state to see how child support is calculated in your state.
Generally states will calculate the child support obligations on one of 2 models-either the income share model or a percentage model.
Income Share Model
Calculating child support based on the income share model involves looking at the net income of both parents and the number of children to be supported. It will then add the incomes of both parents and decide what is needed to support the children. Then the figure is apportioned between parents on the basis of the parent’s income as a percentage of the combined income of both parents.
Percentage Model
This model of calculating child support involves simply taking a percentage of the parent’s income, either net or gross income. This does vary from state to state so you do need to check in your local office that has responsibility for enforcing child support what their guidelines are. If you have an attorney then he/she should also be able to help you and visiting the website of your state court system should also make it clear how they calculate child support in your state.
So there is no average child support payment, it will really depend on the circumstances, and each state will have a slightly different take on calculating the amount due. Most states will recognize that the custodial parent is fulfilling their child support obligations by their day to day custody of the child. So the calculation for average child support will generally fall on the non custodial parent.
Keep in mind also that many states will take into consideration the potential of the non custodial parent to generate income so merely going back to college and becoming a student will not absolve you of your child support responsibilities.
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Filed under Child Support Calculator by Terry
