Child Support

      When a petition for dissolution of marriage is filed, one of the first concerns that every mother and father has is what the custodial arrangement will be regarding their children. For those who become non-custodial parents, the next question then turns to “what amount will I need to pay in child support to take care of my children?” Depending upon the circumstances of your case, that question could be a difficult one to answer. However, the Courts and the parents do have guidance from the Indiana Child Support Rules and Guidelines.

      The amount of child support that will ultimately be ordered by the Court, or agreed upon between the parties, is typically based upon applying their set of facts to the Indiana State Child Support Guidelines. The main elements that are factored into the child support calculation include but are not limited to the following: (1) Each parties’ gross weekly income; (2) The weekly cost of health insurance premiums for the children paid by one of the parties; (3) The cost of work-related child care expenses incurred by one or both of the parties; and (4) The number of overnights the non-custodial parent has with regard to his/her parenting time. Information regarding the Child Support Rules and Guidelines can be found here.

      It is important to seek legal advice when determining the appropriate application of the child support guidelines in order to maximize the benefit to you and your children. Contact Eric Benner or Alicia Adcock if you have any questions with regard to the amount of child support that you should be receiving or paying. We would be happy to help you navigate the often times confusing application of the child support guidelines to your unique situation.