Child Support
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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.
