Child Support

Question 1

child support duty

Answer 1

each parent has absolute duty to support their children

Question 2

guidelines & formulas

Answer 2

each state has guidelines to determine proper amount of child support owed

Question 3

guideline factors

Answer 3

the formula considers the following factors:
1. number of children
2. their ages
3. healthcare needs
4. any special needs
5. parents’ income
6. time share (how much time the children live with each parent)

Question 4

duration

Answer 4

generally lasts until child reaches age of majority or is otherwise emancipated

Question 5

independent from visitation rights

Answer 5

custodial parent CANNOT deny visitation rights based on parent’s failure to make child support payments

Question 6

full faith and credit (jx)

Answer 6

given to other state’s child support as long as court has
1. proper jx (personal jx required)
2. parties had reasonable notice, and
3. parties had an opportunity to be heard

Question 7

modification jx

Answer 7

issuing court has exclusive jx to modify child support if one spouse resides in-state or if both parties consent to issuing court’s ongoing jx