Child Support

Question 1

Child support orders

Answer 1

Parent with custody is presumed to provide support; therefore, a child support order is generally entered only against the non-custodial parent

Question 2

Calculating child support

Answer 2

To calculate child support, most states use child-support guidelines, a mathematical formula based on the income of the parents

If courts choose to deviate from the guidelines, they must give a written explanation for doing so

Question 3

Modifying child support

Answer 3

Only when there is a showing of a substantial and continuing change in circumstances making the prior order unreasonable

Question 4

Uniform Interstate Family Support Act

Answer 4

Once a state has issued a child support order consistent with the jurisdiction requirements of the UIFSA, that state’s court has continuing, exclusive jurisdiction over the order so long as:
● The child or any party still resides in the issuing state; and
● All of the parties do not consent to change jurisdiction to a new state

The state with continuing, exclusive jurisdiction over the order is the only state that can modify the order unless continuing, exclusive jurisdiction is lost