Divorce & Separation

CHILD SUPPORT OBLIGATION
by Linda W. Chodos

NOTE: The following lists are meant to provide an overview of the Child Support Standards Act and its interpretation in the existing case law. It is not meant to be all inclusive nor is it meant for any person to rely upon.

FORMULA CONTAINED IN STATUTE: the amount derived by applying the child support percentage to the combined parental income up to $130,000. Combined incomes in excess of $130,000 is discretionary with the Court.

Percentages: (a minimum of)	17% of combined parental income for one child 25% of combined parental income for two children 29% of combined parental income for three children 31% of combined parental income for four children 35% of combined parental income for five or more children
Income includes:	Earned income Net investment income Voluntarily deferred income Worker's compensation Unemployment insurance benefits Social security benefits Veteran's benefits Pensions and retirement benefits Reimbursements received for business expenses Non-cash benefits such as memberships, meals, autos Imputed income for voluntary reduction in income
Deductions:	FICA, un-reimbursed business expenses, alimony paid., support for other children, public assistance, SSI
Add Ons:	Life insurance, non-reimbursed medical expenses, child care, educational expenses.
Other Factors:	Financial resources of each parent and of the child, special needs of the child, Standard of living, tax consequences to the parties, education needs of parents, non-monetary contributions, income disparity, costs of health insurance, needs of other children, extraordinary visitation expenses.