Question 1

How is child support calculated?

Accepted Answer

Most US states use the Income Shares model, which assumes children should receive the same proportion of parental income they would have received if the parents lived together. Both parents' gross incomes are combined, a basic support obligation is determined from a state schedule, and that obligation is split proportionally by each parent's income share. Work-related childcare and health insurance costs are typically added on top.

Question 2

Does the custody split affect child support?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If the paying parent has significant parenting time (typically over 20% of nights), most states apply a shared parenting adjustment that reduces the support obligation. The logic is that the paying parent is directly covering more of the child's expenses during their parenting time. The exact formula varies by state -- some use a straight percentage reduction, others use a more complex formula.

Question 3

What income is used to calculate child support?

Accepted Answer

Most states use gross income before taxes, including wages, salaries, self-employment income, bonuses, commissions, rental income, and investment income. Some states impute income if a parent is voluntarily underemployed. Certain deductions may be allowed, such as mandatory union dues, prior child support orders for other children, and health insurance premiums.

Question 4

Can child support be modified after it is set?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Child support orders can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances -- typically a significant change in either parent's income (usually 15-20% or more), a change in the child's needs, or a change in custody arrangements. Most states allow review every 3 years regardless of whether circumstances have changed. You must file a formal modification request with the court; informal agreements between parents are not legally binding.

Question 5

What happens if child support is not paid?

Accepted Answer

Unpaid child support (arrears) accrues interest in most states and can be collected through wage garnishment, tax refund interception, bank account levies, license suspension (driver's, professional, recreational), passport denial, and in serious cases, contempt of court charges. The federal government operates the child support enforcement system (Title IV-D) which helps states collect arrears across state lines.

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