Home -> Articles -> Figuring Child Support

Figuring Child Support

When figuring child support payments, many states use some sort of formula. It can include the gross incomes of both parents or just the non-custodial parent, less adjustments for support to children of previous marriages and similar expenses, and a dollar figure to cover the cost of raising the child or children. This provides the court with a general guideline from which they can deviate in establishing child support payments. Check for the laws in your state.

When figuring out how much it will cost to raise a child until the "age of emancipation," usually at age 18 or 21, write everything down. Start with current expenses, and work your way through the following, birthday by birthday:

• clothing,

• shelter,

• food,

• medical and dental care,

• orthodontia,

• summer camp,

• saxophone lessons,

• driving lessons,

• dancing lessons,

• team sports costs,

• tutoring,

• scouting activities and uniforms,

• vacations,

• proms,

• allowance,

• medical insurance and exams,

• dental expenses,

• graduation expenses,

• school tuition, lab and book fees,

• college entrance exams and travel to check out likely universities.

How can you know the cost of activities ten years down the road? Check with friends who have older children. What kinds of expenses are they encountering? Then remember, you may not know now if Little Johnny will become an Eagle Scout, but you may be sure whatever he does will cost money, just as it will with little Susie.

The total may be daunting, but getting it down in black and white now will establish realistic child support figures right from the start, and should help create a financially secure environment for your child or children.

Back to Top

Related Articles

Telling Your Children About Your Divorce

Saving on Legal Fees in a Divorce

Practical Preparations Before You File For Divorce

Other Resources

Links to Other Web Sites

Shopping

View Shopping Cart  /  Checkout
Now accepting credit cards     

Special Offers!

Divorce Transitions is sponsored by Pen Central Communications, PO Box 220369, St. Louis, MO 63122-0369, 314-984-9805 [phone] 314-821-8482 [Fax] info@PenCentralOnline.com