I understand there are guidelines for setting the amount of money that will be ordered. How can I find the guidelines for my state?
Answer
All states have guidelines for setting child support orders to determine how much a parent should pay for child support. The guidelines show how support orders are calculated.; Some states have links to their guidelines on their websites, or you can call the state CSE agency for a copy. Links to the state CSE websites are at: <http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cse/extinf.html
Also, we have found that doing an internet search for "support guidelines" will take you to guidelines for a number of states . (We have not reviewed those sites for accuracy and do not provide content for these sites.)
There are different "models" for guidelines: Some states base their guidelines on both parents' incomes (an income-share model), some only on the income of the noncustodial parent (a percentage model). In the models based only on the noncustodial parent income, it is presumed that the custodial parent is sharing equally by providing care, food, clothing, shelter, etc. The state will sometimes consider the amount of time that the child(ren) spend with each parent in joint custody situations -- but may try to even out the amount of money available if one parent earns less than the other does. To find out what model your state uses, check with the state.
The Federal government only requires that states do have guidelines, that the guidelines take into consideration all earnings and income of the noncustodial parent, that the guidelines are based on specific descriptive and numeric criteria, and that they provide for health care needs. The guidelines must be used for setting support orders unless the judge or other administrator shows in writing why not using them is in the best interest of the child. States must review their guidelines every four years to make sure that they result in fair support orders. Some review them more often. If you would like to suggest changes to the guidelines, ask the state how to get your suggestions to the people who will review the guidelines. For more information: If a parent has moved to a different state, which state reviews: Click Here Getting a support order reviewed: Click Here</p>
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