I am a bit confused about how child support works in joint custody arrangements. Can someone explain to me who is responsible for paying child support in such cases?
Thank you!
1 Like
Who has to pay child support in joint custody?
I am a lawyer by profession and I am based in Kansas.
This has been my experience with child support cases.
-
Child Support is based on the incomes shared model. This just means that the child will receive the same support that they should have received had the parents been living together.
-
In a scenario where one parent makes more money than the other parent, then the former will pay some amount of child support to the other parent.
-
Also, if one parent has more overnights stay with the child then they should expect some money in child support from the other parent since the child is assumingly using one parents resources in terms of food and miscellaneous living costs
1 Like
Ex-wife and I have a 50/50 custody, kid bounces between her and I, we have been divorced for exactly 4 years. I don’t pay her a dime and she gets nothing from me, with that, I send groceries, buy clothes that floats between her house and mine, and any sports comes out of my pocket. On average, we get him equal nights a month, equal weekends and do family shit together, for example after his first practice Saturday, we went out to breakfast as a “family” and she talked about her new dude and family drama, while my son and I talked and ate food together. This is California.
2 Likes
In such a scenario both parents pay the custody, however, the one who earns more will have to pay more
1 Like
my fellow parents pliz take note In a standard joint custody case, the parent who spends more time with the children usually receives child support. The judge will use a formula and guidelines to calculate the suitable amount, considering the parent’s income and the children’s needs.
1 Like
Child support calculations typically consider the incomes of both parties, and both parents are usually responsible for contributing to child support payments.
1 Like
If there is joint custody, either spouse may be required to pay child support, depending on financial circumstances and if the child spends more time in one parent’s home. Child support orders attempt to balance parental responsibilities if the child spends more time in one home than the other or if one parent provides more hands-on care. They are more likely to get child support. Joint custody implies that both parents have a role in how their child is reared, including making school medical decisions together.
In joint custody arrangements, the parent with more income usually pays child support to the other parent. The actual amount varies depending on income, expenses, and other circumstances, with the purpose of meeting the child’s needs equally. The court normally calculates this using particular standards and formulae.