Frequently Asked Questions
How is child support calculated?
The court uses a child support calculator to determine the appropriate amount of child support to be paid by the parties in a case. These calculations include, among other things, each party’s income, the amount of time each parent spends with the child(ren) and who pays other expenses like insurance premiums for the kids.
Is child support mandatory?
The court must always make a determination as it relates to child support, resulting in there always being some amount of support being paid. It is theoretically possible, however, that if the parties had similar incomes, had equal custody of the child and split expenses, that no actual child support payment would be owing.
Can child support orders be changed?
Child support can change as circumstances change. A modification of child support can occur for a variety of reasons: changes in the number of overnights, changes in income, changes in expenses paid for the benefit of the children (daycare/extraordinary expenses). Parents exchanges financial information each year to see if an adjustment needs to be made to the existing order – parents can either agree on a new number or seek court assistance.
How is child support paid?
There are several options for paying child support. One of the most common methods of paying child support is through the Family Support Registry, which is a third party tool that receives payments and then distributes them. Child support can be paid directly to the other parent via check or bank transfer. Child support can also be paid through an income assignment (an automatic deduction from the payor’s paycheck).
How long does child support last?
Child support can be modified as circumstances change (such as changes to parenting time, income, expenses) and it lasts until a child reaches the age of 19 or emancipates. If parents have more than one child, child support can also be modified as each child reaches the age of majority (19).
Will my stimulus check be affected if I owe child support payments?
The stimulus checks are designed to provide support during the coronavirus pandemic are seen by many taxpayers as much-needed handouts. However, if you’re behind on child support, you may not receive a check at all.
