Child support is a central aspect of ensuring the well-being of children after a separation or divorce. The amount of child support that a parent has to pay depends on various factors.
It is important for parents who owe or expect to owe support to understand how these factors can impact the amount of child support that they have to pay.
Income
Income plays a significant role in determining child support obligations. In most cases, the parent who earns more income will pay a higher amount of child support. According to the Department of Children and Families, the court will consider factors such as salary, wages, bonuses, commissions and other sources of income when calculating child support obligations.
Courts will also take personal injury awards and workers’ compensation benefits into consideration. Furthermore, courts look at a parent’s earning ability when calculating child support.
Parenting time
It is important to note that income is not the only factor considered when determining child support obligations. The amount of time each parent spends with the children also plays a key role. This is because the parent who spends more time with the children will incur additional expenses related to their care. By considering the time spent with the children, the court aims to ensure that both parents are contributing to the children’s upbringing.
By understanding how courts review income and parenting time in the calculation of child support, parents can safeguard their children’s financial needs in a way that is fair and reasonable for everyone involved.
