Child Support

The non-custodial parent will be ordered to pay monthly child support to the custodial parent until a child who is a full time student graduates from high school or reaches age 19, whichever occurs first. If a child is not in high school, support ends at age 18. The amount of support is based upon the earnings and expenses of both parties and is set by law. Child support is not always paid by the non custodial parent. Sometimes, the custodial parent will have such a high income that he/she is ordered to pay child support. This is rare but can happen depending upon the circumstances of the case. We have found that after gathering the required data that we can predict fairly accurately what the court will order.

As additional child support, parents may be ordered to cover their children on health insurance and to share in paying the children’s medical expenses that are not covered by insurance, as well as to pay a share of the child care expense necessary for employment.

The parent with physical custody for more than half the year is entitled to take the child as a tax deduction for the year, unless the parties agree otherwise in a written I.R.S. document attached to both parties' tax returns or the court orders otherwise. You should know that a child must have a Social Security number if child support is being paid or a deduction taken. Apply now if a number is needed.