Guidelines for Child Support

Child support guidelines are standardized formulas used to determine the financial contribution a noncustodial parent should provide for their child's needs. They consider factors such as each parent's income, the number of children, custody arrangements, and relevant expenses. The goal is to ensure the child's basic needs—like housing, food, education, and healthcare—are met fairly. These guidelines help create consistent, fair support amounts and reduce conflicts by providing a transparent method for calculating payments. While they serve as a starting point, courts can adjust support amounts based on specific circumstances.