HOW DOES THE COURT DETERMINE CHILD SUPPORT?

Child Support Guidelines have been prepared for the State of Arizona which apportion child support based on the gross incomes of both parents. In general, your monthly expenses such as debts, house payments and car payments are not taken into consideration in awarding child support. Adjustments are made for the cost of supporting children from other relationships, child care, health insurance and parenting time.

The amount of child support will be based on the South Carolina Child Support Guidelines. The Guidelines consider the income of both parents and the number of children. Day care and health insurance costs are also considered.

While some states use specific formulas for calculating child support, Washington law allows the court to order either or both parents (or partners in a domestic partnership) to pay child support in an “amount reasonable or necessary for the child’s support.” The court determines the actual amount of support by using the child support schedule. This schedule takes into account both parents’ monthly net incomes and limits child support to no more than 45% of a parent’s net income except where there is good cause.

Texas law determines that child support can be required until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, marries, or dies. In certain cases, particularly where a child is disabled, the support can be ordered for an indefinite period.

A. Child support guidelines vary from State to State. Most States generate a calculation by using the income of each party (either Gross or Net), the amount of child daycare paid by each party, and the amount of Medical/Dental Insurance paid by each party to determine a figure. Please speak to an attorney to find out what your State Child Support Guidelines are.