Child Support:

Regardless of your fight to gain custody of your children, child support will be an issue in your case. You will either be paying it or receiving it.

Courts have little discretion in setting the amount of child support to be paid. This is because, as a condition of receiving federal aid, the states are required to follow certain standards in their child support statutes. Although the exact procedures and details vary from state to state, there is a certain basic pattern no matter where you live.

Child Support Calculation:

Typically, child support is calculated in a very formulaic manner. In most states, the calculations are based upon three main factors: the parents' income, the percent of time each party has the children, and the number of children involved. The courts have constructed formulas in an attempt to eliminate subjectivity.

Dispelling "Deadbeat Dad" Label:

The oft-used term "deadbeat dad" conjures up an image of a father who neglects to support his children emotionally or financially. Not every dad who does not fulfill his child support obligation can be construed as a "deadbeat."

The law recognizes this distinction. Inability to pay is a valid defense to a contempt action. Simply showing that you are unemployed, though, is not sufficient to establish an inability to pay.

What If You Can’t Pay Child Support:

There may be a host of causes for financial hardship, but many of them will not entitle you to reduce your child support obligations. Simply losing a portion of your income may not be enough to reduce your child support obligation.

In some states, you most lose a notable portion before the courts will entertain modifying the amount. The first thing you need to do is find out what the requirements are in your state for modifying a child support order.

Child Support and College Expenses:

If you are divorced, depending on the state where you live, the court could order you to pay for your adult child's college education – something a court could never order a married couple to do.

Modifying Child Support:

When the judge in your case determines your original child support obligation, the considerations may be dictated by statute, determined by the circumstances of your case or a combination of factors. These initial considerations may affect how future evaluations of your child support obligation are reviewed.

You are entitled to modify the amount of your child support if the variables used in the initial calculation have changed or if other factors are no longer valid.

POPULAR CHILD SUPPORT ARTICLES:

How Can I Lower My Child Support?

What Does Child Support Actually Cover?

CHILD SUPPORT RESOURCES:

Child Support Calculator

State Child Support Laws