Here is a general explanation of what child support is actually paying for.
If you are in the middle of your divorce or preparing for one and you have minor children with your spouse, you’re probably worrying about custody arrangements and child support payments.
Child support represents recurrent payment supported by one of the parents, usually the one who spends less time with the child (non-custodial parent) to the parent who is the primary care-giver to financially support the child’s upbringing and care. The payment is usually done monthly and it depends on a number of factors, like the paying parent’s income, the number of children they share with their spouse, other responsibilities they might have, etc.
The child support amount and conditions depend from one case to another, but they all must oblige to the laws of the state the divorce takes place in. In Missouri, you have specific child support guidelines that will be applied.
What Does Child Support Pay for?
Here is a general explanation of what child support is actually paying for.
Paying child support for your child or children does not mean that you are the only one providing for the child. The other parent, who has custodial rights, is presumably providing for the child by default, giving shelter, food, all the necessary materials for education, and healthcare. You participate with your child support payment since you do not live with the child to share the amenities.
The judge can order payment for a range of expenses, from covering basic needs to providing extra comfort or benefits to your child or children.
How Is It Calculated?
The calculation of the child support payment is complicated, and it will depend on the judge’s conditions as well. Parents will complete a form or use an online calculator, where they provide complete information about their income sources and other guidelines in the state legislation.
In addition to this calculated monthly payment, you could be required to contribute to extraordinary expenses like private schooling or medical costs that are not covered by the insurance. These calculations will take your own financial status, so if the initial calculations are exceeding your survival means, they will be re-evaluated by the court.
Changes may intervene in the parents’ lives after the court orders a certain arrangement. You can lose your job or the other parent may remarry. These are all factors that can lead to modifications of the child support payment calculations.
What Can You Do?
If you are confused about the Missouri state laws concerning child support payments and you want to make sure that your rights and best interests are represented, speak with an experienced St. Louis divorce attorney. They will make sure that your child support payments leave you enough money to support yourself and other codependents you may have. However, you must know that Missouri, like all the other states, puts the child’s interest first.
Give The Betz Law Firm a call today at (314) 801-8488.