When it comes to determining child support, judges base support payments on state specific laws, guidelines, and formulas. Most states consider a variety of factors when determining how child support payments will be calculated.
Eligibility is the first and most important factor used to calculate payments as it examines whether the child qualifies as a support recipient. In some states, children are no longer qualified to receive support payments once they become emancipated or reach the age of majority.
In other states, the parent is required to continue supporting the child through college. Other states have special guidelines that allow open-ended support requirements if the child has a disability. Other support expenses are also factored into the costs when determining the appropriate amount of child support payments the non-custodial parent must pay.
Examples of other types of support include employment-related daycare costs, health insurance and payment of health care expenses that are not covered by insurance. Shared or joint physical custody is also a significant factor when determining support payments. Most judges strongly consider how much time the obligated spouse spends caring for the children.
High income payers may qualify for a non-traditional payment calculation that prevents the other spouse from receiving a windfall payment or alimony. In such cases, the payments may be based on the practical need of the child rather than on the amount of income earned by the payer, as is typically the case.
Calculating Payments
Before your child support case goes to court, a divorce lawyer may be able to obtain an estimate of what your support payments will be. There are multiple computer programs that use the same formulas used in the courts to calculate a ballpark figure for support payments based on a variety of factors. These programs can provide other insights, such as the tax penalties for combining child and spousal support. Computer programs can not only help you save time but manage your expectations during the child support calculation process.
Contact an Englewood Divorce Lawyer
An Englewood divorce lawyer may be able to provide you with more information on how child support payments are calculated and what you can expect to pay. Contact the Radol Law Firm for a consultation to discuss your legal matter.
The Radol Law Firm is proud to serve the people of New Jersey in their divorce and family law, elder law, estate planning, and bankruptcy matters. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation.