There were 689,308 divorces in 2021, with the average marriage lasting 8 years before a couple files for divorce. Child support is a payment made from one parent to the other after divorce or separation to help cover the costs of raising the child. The amount of child support is usually determined based on a number of factors. Back in 2018, 14.7 million children lived in homes partially funded by child support payments.
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Here’s an overview of how child support is calculated and what you can expect after a divorce.
Calculating Child Support
As the experienced child support attorney Mark Cassell, partner at Twyford Law Office, a leading firm of family law & divorce attorneys in Seattle, WA, recommends, the exact child support amount will vary from case to case, but there are some general guidelines courts follow:
Income of Both Parents – The incomes of both parents are considered. The parent with the higher income will typically pay child support to the lower-income parent, especially if that parent has primary custody. Courts look at gross income, which includes wages, investment income, pensions and other earnings.
Parenting Time – If custody is split 50/50, the parent with the higher income may still pay child support, but the amount will be reduced. The more overnights a parent has with the child, the less support they will likely pay.
Child’s Needs – The child’s basic needs are taken into account, including housing, food, clothing, education, child care, and medical costs. Extra expenses like tutoring, sports or other activities may also be factored in.
State Guidelines – Most states have child support guidelines that provide a formula to calculate basic support. The guidelines consider the parents’ incomes and number of children. This provides a starting point, which can then be adjusted.
Number of Children – Having more children will generally increase the support amount, since costs are higher. However, the increase is rarely proportional per child.
Adjustments – The final support amount can be increased or decreased based on aspects like extremely high income, additional expenses, or financial hardships for either parent.
Standard Child Support Payments
While individual cases vary, some general data on average child support payments can provide an idea of what to expect:
- For one child, average support is around 20% of the noncustodial parent’s gross income.
- For two children, it increases to around 28% of gross income.
- For three children, child support is approximately 31% of gross income.
- The more children involved, the higher the percentage of income awarded for support.
- For low-income fathers (under $10,000 annually), the average support payment is around $192 per month per child.
- For middle-income fathers (earning $40,000-50,000), average support is around $426 per month per child.
- Higher-income fathers may pay over $1,000 per month per child on average.
Always Consult a Divorce Lawyer for Advice
Keep in mind that every case is different, and child support arrangements can be complex. Consulting with an experienced divorce lawyer in your state can help you get a sense of what amount of support may be reasonable based on your unique situation.
