Numerous factors are taken into consideration by Utah family law courts when determining the terms of child support agreements. No matter if you have physical custody of your child or not, it can be incredibly helpful to be familiar with the major components used to establish the appropriate amount of child support owed in most cases.
Child support payments are intended to provide for the care and financial needs of minors. Consequently, Money Crashers explains that the lifestyle and living conditions of the child prior to his or her parents’ separation are often taken into account when calculating child support payments. If you are the child’s non-custodial parent, therefore, you may be obligated to help maintain the standard of living that your child enjoyed before your divorce. Similarly, the court will also consider any and all needs specific to your child. For instance, your child could require additional financial support if he or she has a mental or physical disability.
In addition to considering the needs of your child, the family law judge may also factor in the income of both you and your child’s other parent, as well as other available resources. You, as the custodial parent, may earn more money and/or have a higher net worth then your child’s other parent. As a result, he or she may be required to pay less child support. On the other hand, your child’s non-custodial parent could be obligated to pay more child support if the court determines that he or she maintains a suitable income.
Of course, the factors that play a role in determining child support can vary significantly from case to case. It is important to keep in mind, then, that the information provided above is not legal counsel.
