how does the amount for child support actually get determined?
In: Other
As a general rule, in the United States, each state has its own laws about how child support payments are determined and who is responsible for paying. These laws are mostly similar, but there are significant differences
Essentially, the requires the couple to determine several factors:
**1. How much a child needs.** This includes costs for health care, education, clothes, travel, food, etc. Basically how much it costs to raise a child given each child’s individual needs and circumstances
**2. How much money each parent makes**
**3. How much time each parent spends caring for the child**
So, to make it really simply, Say parent A makes $9,000 per year, and Parent B makes $91,000 per year. That’s $100K per year, or $8333 per month combined. The child needs $1,000 per month
Parent B doesn’t have custody, and Parent A has full custody and raises the child 100% of the time, so parent A has to incur all the child care expenses
In this case, Parent B is responsible for 91% of the child’s needs, or $910, because Parent B makes 91% of the income. Parent A is responsible for 9%, or $90, so parent B has to pay parent A $910 per month because Parent B incurs none of the costs. If Parent B had 100% custody, Parent A would have to pay Parent A $90 per month
(This is simplified and only intended as an example)
Latest Answers