Child Support

Child support is the payment from one parent to the other to help cover the expenses of parenting a child, and typically ends when the child turns 18 or graduates high school (so long as s/he has not turned 19). Typically, the parent who assumes or is granted residential custody is entitled to receive a monetary amount each month to cover the cost of raising that child. Though this is the most common situation that child support is ordered, it can also be ordered for parents who enjoy shared parenting, if one parent makes substantially less than the other parent.

An order for child support for an adult child might also be ordered if there is a child with a developmental delay, other special needs or who requires additional care extending past the age of maturity.

A child support calculation is based upon the a variety of factors such as monthly earnings of each party, how often the child is with each parent, the schooling or daycare costs of the child, health insurance premium costs and contributions to retirement account(s).

It is important to be mindful of child support laws since they can often be enforced years later, even after the child has ‘aged out.’ Child support can also be modified based on a ‘change of circumstances’ but not automatically – only by written, filed agreement or court order.

If you have a child you are not receiving support for, or if you are paying support and believe the order is too high, contact our office today to set up a consultation. We can help.

---

Our Services