All children have the legal right to have financial support from both parents, and the obligation applies even if parents did not marry or if one parent refuses to take a role in childrearing. When parents’ relationships end, one parent may have to pay child support to the parent with physical custody. Laws help to establish child support amounts, and this article offers an overview of support laws to help readers estimate how much they will have to give.
State Laws on Child Support
Rules vary by jurisdiction, but all areas generally base child support on the children’s needs, living expenses and parental income. Guidelines typically calculate child support as a portion of the parent’s income that rises with each additional child, but amounts can vary if there’s a good reason.
Judges often review financial statements from parents that list amounts and sources of expenses and income before making a determination. Online calculators offer rough estimates, but parents should not rely on those figures as judges make final orders.
Assessing Parental Income
Regardless of jurisdiction, final awards are based on income. They are determined mostly by the parents’ income; therefore, it’s important that parents understand what constitutes income under the state’s rules. When determining child support, courts look at wages, salary and other sources such as:
* Pensions
* Government benefits
* Prizes and gifts
* Estate disbursements
* Annuities
Other Considerations
State rules are important in determining child support, but they aren’t the only factor. Depending on state law and the case’s circumstances, judges may consider other factors in ordering an amount different from the guidelines. Issues that may affect child support amounts include split or joint custody arrangements, summer vacation support payments and college expenses. For information on establishing support and calculating an appropriate amount, or for legal advice that’s specific to a situation, consider calling a Family Attorney In Angola Indiana.
All children have the right to receive monetary support from both parents, and all parents are legally obligated to support their children. Whether one is a parent in need of help in establishing a support order, or they are paying support and need a modification, an Attorney in Angola Indiana such as Grimm & Grimm can provide much needed assistance.