Child support ensures children have access to both of their parents' resources, regardless of the custody arrangement. The amount a noncustodial parent might be ordered to pay is based on a formula contained in state law, which incorporates a wide range of factors. To determine how much you may owe after divorce, learn more about some of the elements that might come into the calculation.

What Factors Influence Child Support Requirements?

1. Income

To calculate support, the court will consider both parents' combined income, including the earning potential of those who are voluntarily unemployed. This ensures someone with the credentials to earn a high income can't escape their support obligations by taking a lower-paying job.

Bear in mind that support payments are based on combined income, not the amount earned by each parent. A noncustodial parent who makes significantly less than their former spouse may still have to pay support if they have less parenting time.

2. Custody Arrangements

Child support is intended to lighten the financial load on custodial parents, so your custody arrangement will significantly impact the payment amount. As a general rule, the more time a child spends living in the noncustodial parents' house, the lower their child support payments will be.

3. Number of Dependents

The courts realize that many people may have legal obligations to care for other children. If the noncustodial parent is also responsible for children from a previous marriage, the court may lower their child support payment. On the other hand, if the custodial parent is also caring for other children, the support order may be higher.

If you’re involved in a divorce or child support battle, the attorneys at Castles Family Law will provide the detailed guidance and exceptional legal service you need. They proudly serve parents throughout Nashville and Franklin, TN, delivering just outcomes in even the most difficult situations. Visit their website for more information on their wide range of family law services, or call (615) 804-6086 to schedule an initial consultation.