Legal Article
- Not all Child Support Payments are Equal
The factors used to calculate child support payments are set by law. To calculate each parent’s child support obligation the law generally applies each parent’s income, including wages, assets such as stocks and bonds, welfare benefits, etc., and the standard of living of the child before the divorce. In certain cases, however, extraordinary needs of the child may be considered and deviations from the guidelines may be allowed. In most states where the court deviates from the guidelines, the judge is supposed to explain the reasons for the deviation in the order. The amount of a child support award is more than a question of the child’s bare necessities. If … more
