Child support cases are complex and there are several factors that the family court takes into consideration. The well-being of the child is of utmost importance in a separation case.
In the United States, child support cases are governed by state-specific laws.
The laws are designed to protect the child’s interests over that of the parents. The goal is to ensure that the children of a separated couple are able to retain a decent standard of living after the separation.
Courts consider the key aspects of a child’s life before deciding child support: housing, healthcare, education, food, and clothing.
These are the basic necessities of a child. The court will draft up a plan that is the best possible outcome for the children and the parents.
Understanding the laws in your state can help you navigate this situation and ensure the well-being of your child or children is guaranteed.
When it comes to negotiating child support, you will need an experienced lawyer, like the child support attorneys in Law Office of Cosmas Onyia.
A good lawyer will take you through this process thoroughly. Here are the factors considered in child support cases:
Income of Parents
This factor is considered across all the states. A parent’s income determines their ability to pay child support. The courts look at the gross income of each parent.
Every source of income is considered– salaries, wages, bonuses, investments, self-employment earnings, and more.
The courts then reduce certain expenses, depending on the parents’ circumstances, and reach the net income or gross income. The courts will also look into if a parent has the potential to earn more, but chooses to remain unemployed or underemployed.
Number of Children
If a couple has multiple children, the cost of living may vary with age.
The courts will consider how many children the couple has and the age of each child. Older children may have higher financial needs compared to younger children.
The courts tally this and adjust the child support accordingly.
Cost of Healthcare
If a couple has taken out health insurance plans for the family, the courts will consider these an important factor in determining child support.
Oftentimes, courts allocate the responsibility of determining these costs to the parents. The cost of healthcare covers insurance premiums, unreimbursed medical expenses, and other doctors’ visits.
Parenting Time
Parenting time weighs heavily on the court’s decision on child support. If the custody is shared equally, it means both parents have equal parenting time.
So, the child support will reflect that. If one parent has less parenting time, they will have to pay child support to the custodial parent.
Other Financial Obligations
Sometimes a situation may arise that certain financial obligations may hinder child support payment.
These typically include unexpected medical expenses, needing to support children from different relationships and more.
In this case, the courts will consider these factors before they decide the child support or modify the child support.
These are only some of the factors considered by the courts in child support cases. The importance of these factors varies from state to state. Ultimately, the courts decide in the best interest of the child.