Child Support Lawyers – Valparaiso, IN.

Child support is a legal obligation in the form of regular payments made by a parent to benefit their child. This money is used for basic expenses and necessities such as food, housing, clothing, health care & education. Regardless of your fight to gain custody of your children, child support will be an issue in your case. You will either be paying it or receiving it.

Courts have little discretion in setting the amount of child support to be paid. This is because, as a condition of receiving federal aid, the states are required to follow certain standards in their child support statutes. Although the exact procedures and details vary from state to state, there is a certain basic pattern no matter where you live. At Cioe & Wagenblast PC, we can help you understand the child support laws in the state of Indiana and work on your behalf for your families best interests.

Indiana Child Support Calculation

Child support is calculated in a very formulaic manner in most states. The calculations are based upon 3 main factors;

• Parents Income
• The percent of time each party has with the children
• Number of children involved

The courts have constructed formulas in an attempt to eliminate subjectivity and the court will review several factors when calculating child support amounts that are to be paid monthly.

Factors Include:

• The child’s age & gender
• Any academic, physical, or medical special needs
• The income & educational level of each parent
• The number of children involved in the custody hearing
• The history each parent has with the child or children

Final Overview of Indiana Child Support

Child support is typically paid by the parent who spends the least time with the child – noncustodial parent, to the parent who spends more time with the child – custodial parent. This obligation is based on an “income shares model,” an approach that reflects the belief that a child should receive the same proportion of parental income they would have received if the parents lived together.

The model considers both parents' income, the number of children, and healthcare and childcare expenses. The child support amount is proportionally divided based on each parent's share of the combined income. Child support obligations generally last until the child reaches the age of 19. However, it can continue if the child is incapacitated.

The Indiana Child Support Bureau is key in implementing child support programs across the state. It develops policies and procedures, provides technical support to county prosecutors and caseworkers, enforces support orders, and manages the collection and distribution of child support payments.

Cioe & Wagenblast PC, understands the importance of your child in your life, we will fight on your behalf to get a positive outcome for your child custody case.