The Different Factors Considered When Deciding Child Support
Providing children with financial support is a priority for divorcing parents. Child support is a key way to fund daily needs like housing, food, medical care, and education. But courts do not simply pick a number at random to base these support payments on. Many considerations are taken to determine what is fair and appropriate. Let’s break them down.
Understanding Child Support
Child support is the financial support that a parent provides to the other to aid the cost of raising their child. In most situations, the parent with less time with the child (the noncustodial parent) sends the payments to the custodial parent—the parent responsible for the child’s daily care. Child support is intended to supply stability to the child by ensuring that their needs are catered to no matter the change in their family status.
State laws and regulations also have a say regarding the amount of child support paid. They consider several factors to determine a fair amount. If you need help filing a child support claim, knowing the factors involved can simplify the process.
- Income of Both Parents
One of the major determinants of the calculation of the child’s support is the salaries of the two parents. If the two parents earn very differently, the parent with the highest salary might have to provide greater support to the child.
Courts look at all potential means of income to estimate the amount that a parent can pay. Not just salaries and wages are included, but also bonus payments, social security payments, or disability payments.
- Custody Arrangement
How much time a child spends with each parent also plays a major role in determining child support. If both parents share custody equally, the amount one parent owes the other may be adjusted accordingly.
However, when one parent has primary custody—meaning the child lives with them most of the time—the other parent usually pays more in support to help cover daily expenses.
- The Needs of the Child
Every child requires the fundamentals of food, clothing, and shelter. However, some children also require special needs. For instance, if the child often needs to see the doctor and/or use medication, the child support award must accommodate the additional costs.
Education and extracurricular activities are also concerns. A child who attends private school, plays a sport, takes music lessons, or gets a tutor may have higher expenses.
- Health and Medical Costs
Healthcare is another deciding factor in child support calculations. Courts look at who provides health coverage and if there are frequent medical bills, such as dental care, vision, and counseling.
If one parent already covers these medical expenses, that could affect the total amount of child support they pay.
- Standard of Living Before Separation
Courts aim to ensure the child endures the least possible disruption after the separation. Where the child was accustomed to a good standard of life before the separation, the goal is to maintain the same standard.
For example, a well-off parent could be expected to pay a higher share in child support so the child continues to maintain the same standard.
- Number of Children
The number of children also enters into the equation in determining child support. It naturally costs more to support multiple kids, so support usually increases when there are multiple children.
However, courts don’t simply double and triple the amount for each child. Instead, they decide what’s reasonable and fair to give all the kids based on the parent’s ability to pay.
- Special Agreements Between Parents
Sometimes, parents can make agreements with themselves concerning the support of their children. If the two can agree on a reasonable amount, the court will not interfere. However, the court will also assess whether the amount appropriately supports the child. If the court finds the agreement unreasonable or insufficient for the child’s needs, it will modify that agreement.
- Financial Resources and Responsibilities
Child support isn’t based solely on how much money the parent earns—judges also consider the parent’s economic status. This means any outstanding debts, current economic responsibilities, and support to other children from other relationships. The parent’s economic status is considered by the court if the parent isn’t economically well off.
At the same time, if the parent also holds other sources of funds, such as savings, investments, and other assets, the court could use them in the child support determination to give the child the appropriate support.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, child support boils down to equity and ensuring the child receives the funds they need to succeed. Courts consider many factors to formulate a solution that benefits both the parents and the child’s best interests.
If you’re in the midst of a child support case, remember each case is different. What’s reasonable in the case of another family isn’t necessarily reasonable in yours. So, consult a qualified attorney to assist you with your specific circumstances.
