Child Support Calculation

Question 1

Do parents have a legal duty to support their children?

Answer 1

Parents have an absolute obligation to support their children.

Question 2

What are the typical guidelines the states must adhere to to determine the proper amount of child support owed by a non-custodial parent?

Answer 2

The guidelines must:
1. Consider the income of the non-custodial parent;

2. Provide for the child’s healthcare needs; AND
3. Be based on a descriptive numeric formula/criteria.

Question 3

What is the rule regarding educational expenses of an adult child (college age).

Answer 3

Some states require support for the child’s continuing education. In such states, may lose their support if the child fails to follow the obligor parent’s reasonable instructions.

Question 4

True or False: Child support calculations are rebuttably presumed to be proper?

Answer 4

True

Question 5

Generally, what is the duration of a child support obligation?

Answer 5

Child support obligations generally last until the child reaches the age of majority or is otherwise emancipated.