If you are preparing to bring the matter of child support before a judge, our divorce lawyers may be able to help you prepare. When judges calculate child support, they must follow specific laws, guidelines and formulas that often vary from state to state. Most states use different factors to calculate child support, including eligibility, other support obligations, shared or joint custody, and high-income payor. These factors are generally all taken into account by the judge as he or she determines child support. The judge must first determine whether the child is even eligible for child support. Some children are not eligible. In some states, the chance for a parent to earn child support is terminated when the child reaches a certain age or if the child becomes emancipated. However, some states allow the judge to order a parent to continue paying child support as long as the child is in college. In some cases, the judge may be allowed to extend child support on an open-ended basis when the children have disabilities.
Medical Expenses
Many states treat other child expenses from health insurance and payment of uncovered medical expenses to employment-related day care. These items may be part of the original child support obligation. They may also be considered separate expenses that the parents can allocate between themselves. Judges in almost half the states are allowed to take into account the amount of time the payor spouse has the children in his or her care. Also, many states will let the actual child support amount go beyond the formula if the payor spouse earns a high income. This prevents the other spouse from receiving a windfall. Parents who are preparing for the issue of child support to go before a judge should remember that there are computer programs designed to help your Chandler divorce lawyers calculate child support in advance. These computer programs also make it possible to view the tax consequences when child and spousal support are combined. These programs can help you save time as well as help you manage your expectations.
Contact Our Chandler Divorce Lawyers
For more information on how Chandler divorce lawyers can help you, contact the Law Offices of Janice M. Palmer, P.C. at (480) 820-4771 or toll-free at (888) 352-7725.
