Child Support After Divorce

When you have decided to go through a divorce and there are children involved, you must consider how much child support you will be asking for or be paying out. Although it varies by state and individual situation a judge will consider several factors when deciding how much child support will be granted.

Every state has its own guidelines for determining child support payments. While some states have tables in place that are generally based on total income range of the payor, other states utilize an income shares model, which looks at the income of both parents. In most cases the parent that does not have full custody of the child will be responsible for providing child support. However if the parents have equal custody of the child then the parent with the higher income will generally be asked to pay support.

Child support payments can be reduced regardless of income based on the amount of time the parent spends with the child. Some states even have an income cap for child support awards. If a parent decides to be lazy and not work or the court feels that they are not working up to their full potential, they can set an "impute income" and make awards based on how much money they think the parent should be making.

Finally states can also include other aspects in child support payments that can increase award amounts. Items like day care and medical expenses can be added on to the child support if the court agrees to the arrangement.

Have questions about child support?  It is in your best interests to speak with a family lawyer.