Divorce does not end your responsibility to care for your children. Most parents acknowledge this fundamental concept, and genuinely wish to provide for their children. These positive feelings make the negotiation of child support one of the least contentious issues in divorce. That said, it still takes work to agree on the specifics of child support. The more you understand about the issues before you begin negotiations, the more likely you are to quickly achieve a fair agreement.
Child support is typically a monthly payment from the noncustodial parent to the custodial parent to provide for the needs of the couple’s children. Although the maintenance of two households will result in higher living expenses for both you and your former spouse, child support helps to ensure that the children’s standard of living is not significantly altered by the divorce.
Like child custody agreements, child support determinations are generally long-lasting. A spouse who feels he or she was not treated fairly regarding property division (generally a one-time negotiation) is usually able to get past those feelings as life goes on after the divorce. But child support usually continues until the children are eighteen. A spouse who feels that the amount is unfair might be reminded of this fact every month for more than a decade. Such feelings are not simply painful but, in the payer’s case, may result in failure to consistently meet the financial obligation.
The effect of child support arrangements on the relationship between the noncustodial parent and the kids should not be overlooked. If the parent with custody feels strongly that the payments are inadequate, he or she may express that frustration to the children. In this environment, a child’s natural disappointment about not being able to have every toy or gadget on the market can turn to blame and resentment directed at the absent parent. Even if the noncustodial parent is paying a substantial portion of his or her income in child support, the feelings surrounding the payments must be considered to avoid such a negative outcome.
Sections
The Challenge of Determining a Fair Amount
Child Support Guidelines
Identifying Income
When State Guidelines Don’t Fit
Medical Expenses
College Expenses
Child Support vs. Child Custody
Accounting for Child Support
Modifying Child Support
Child Support and Taxes
Leaving the Nest
Ensuring Child Support is Paid
Plan for the Long Term and the Unexpected
Negotiating Child Support
