How are child support guidelines set?

The initial point for determining child support usually is the state’s guideline that considers the income of the parents, the number of children, and typically some other factors. The formulas are based on studies of how much families ordinarily spend for raising children. Courts input the applicable numbers into the formula and arrive at an amount of support that should be paid for the child or children. The guideline applies equally to children born to married parents and to children born out of wedlock.

The amount of money a parent will have to pay in child support varies from state to state because each state has its own guidelines, as well as the fact that judges may differ in their willingness to depart from guidelines.
Generally, there are two types of child support guidelines. One type is based on the income of the person who is supposed to pay child support, the obligor, and the number of children. The other type of guideline is based on the income of both parents and number of children. This second type of guideline often is referred to as the income shares model.

In addition to the guidelines, parents can argue that because of special circumstances, a court should order more or less support than the guideline amount. While support orders can be reviewed by one of the parties filing a motion or petition with the court based on a change in circumstances, in some states, support orders are automatically reviewed every few years to make sure payments are consistent with current income and the support guidelines.  CLICK HERE FOR CHILD SUPPORT HELP