Fortunately, child support is one of the more simple aspects to determine in a divorce. It is generally derived from specific state guidelines. This might be a certain percentage of the paying parent’s income, or it could be a formula based on dividing the total support obligation by each parent’s share. In some states, the formula is based on gross income; in others it is based on net income after allowable deductions.
The law allows some room for deviating from the guidelines if there are specific reasons for it. Each state’s laws vary, but some reasons might include income above or below the guidelines or extraordinary travel costs.
Most child support agreements must contain a provision for health insurance, if it is reasonably available. Parents must also agree who will pay uninsured medical expenses. This includes deductibles, monthly premiums, any amount over what your insurance will pay, and anything not covered by your policy. If you don’t have insurance for the children, this would mean all of their medical bills.
Child support can be automatically deducted from the payor’s check, which is the easiest method. This way the children will always be supported, even if the non-custodial parent becomes involved in a new relationship or gets a new car.
CHILD SUPPORT LINKS
Child Support Enforcement Agencies for All 50 States
Child Support Calculators for All 50 States
Handbook on Child Support Enforcement from the Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Support Enforcement in Washington, D.C.
Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (original text)
Revised Uniform Reciprocal Enforcement of Support Act (1964) (original text)
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