Child Support

Child support is based in strict statutory guidelines, mathematical formulas and computer programs. These formulas take into account several factors, including the income of each parent, the number of children involved, the percentage of time a child spends in the custody of each parent, health insurance premiums, each parent’s tax filing status, mandatory retirement contributions, the needs of the children, the child’s standard of living before the parent’s separation or divorce, and any child support payments made to other children.

In some instances the formula may be varied upward or downward, but the case for a deviation for child support must be well documented and well supported, based upon the circumstances of the parents and the needs of the child. Judges will often review a financial statement completed by each parent that lists all sources and amounts of income and expense before issuing an order. If any of the listed items changes significantly, either parent may go back to Court and request an increase or decrease in the amount of child support ordered.

The duty to support children extends to both parents and normally continues until the child reaches the age of 18, but may be extended to 19 in some cases.