Child support services determine payment amounts through a structured process designed to ensure that children receive adequate financial support from both parents. Here are five factors that contribute to the amount.
1. Income of Parents: The primary factor in determining child support payments is the income of both parents. Usually, the non-custodial parent (the parent with whom the child does not primarily reside) is responsible for making child support payments to the custodial parent (the parent with whom the child primarily resides). The amount of child support often depends on the non-custodial parent’s income, as well as the custodial parent’s income in some cases.
2. Child’s Needs: The financial needs of the child are also considered. This includes basic necessities such as food, clothing, shelter, healthcare, and educational expenses. Courts and child support agencies may have guidelines or tables that outline typical expenses for children at different income levels.
3. Standard Guidelines: Many jurisdictions use standard guidelines or formulas to calculate child support payments. These guidelines take into account factors such as the number of children needing support, the income of both parents and sometimes the cost of living in the region where the child resides.
4. Shared Custody Arrangements: In cases where parents share custody of the child, the calculation of child support may be adjusted to reflect the amount of time the child spends with each parent. This is often referred to as a shared custody or visitation credit.
5. Special Circumstances: Courts and child support services may consider special circumstances that could affect the financial needs of the child or the ability of a parent to pay support. This might include extraordinary medical expenses, educational expenses, or disabilities of the child or parent.