Child support is often crucial to those who have been through a divorce. Child support payments will help the responsible parent pay for things like food, education, extracurricular activities, clothing, and living expenses. Before you dive into your divorce, there are some things you should understand about child support payments and determination.
Understanding more about child support will help you get the most out of your ex-spouse payments and protect your children. Read some of the most pressing questions we get about child support to help you understand the payments you could receive.
Do I Pay Child Support For Step Children?
No, in more cases you will not have to provide financial compensation unless you legally adopt these children. If you adopt a stepchild and you later get divorced from your mother or father, you could be liable to pay child support. If you have acted as a legal guardian for any stepchildren for an extended period of time, you could also be obligated to pay child support.
If you marry someone new who has children from a previous marriage, you will not immediately be required to pay child support to either your new spouse or their ex.
What If The Paying Parent Loses Their Job?
Even if you lose your job or are laid off, you are still responsible for child support payments. If you want to inquire about modifications to your child’s payments during a hard time, you will need to notify the court immediately. Providing termination notices, unemployment benefits, or other financial documents will help the courts see if your payments can be adjusted.
If the job loss was voluntary, the court may not approve a modification. When you make efforts to find new work, the court may be more lenient on lowering the monthly payment. The best interests of the child will always be the top priority when it comes to child support payments, even if it puts strain on a parent.
What If I Have A Second Family I Am Responsible For?
Those who have been through a divorce may have another family they are financially responsible for. If you plan on getting remarried, you may have multiple children that rely on your income. When you have two families that need your income, the child custody agreements you already have through a court system will take priority. Some states will allow the needs of your additional children to be added or considered into your child custody payments. Even if your new relationship has been long-term, the court will always consider what is best for the children.
If supporting both families is becoming a financial hardship, the courts could consider modifications to your payments. If supporting multiple children and your new spouse is becoming difficult, you can provide financial documents to the court to have them consider lowering your monthly child support payment.
How Long Does Child Support Last?
Most child support payments will be completed until the child is 18 and has the opportunity to support themselves on their own. However, there are some considerations that can extend the timeline of child support. Children with special needs or developmental disabilities can receive child support payments for longer because they need more financial support.
If a child is emancipated from their parents before the age of 18 payments will stop. When this child wants to leave the family home, become more independent, and break out on their own, your child support agreements may no longer apply.
Is Income Figured On Gross Or Net Income When Determining Payment Amount?
Most often, child support payments are based on your gross income. Depending on your state, health insurance minimums, federal and state taxes, and other considerations could change the amount you have to pay. Very few states consider net income when determining child support payments. High-income earners may also have caps or different specifications than others.
Child Support Lawyers With KNK
Kaufman, Nichols, and Kaufman offer support for many legal issues for those in Utah. KNK focuses on divorce cases, child custody, estate planning, and criminal defense. We treat each client like a member of our own family because we know how emotional these cases can get. Our lawyers will be with you every step of the way and communicate about how your case is being handled. If you want to learn more about our legal process, reach out to our lawyers and find the one that is right for you.