Guidelines for Child Support Awards

Guidelines for child support awards help determine how much financial support a non-custodial parent should provide for their child's needs. These guidelines consider factors like the parents' income, the child's expenses, and the amount of custody or visitation. The goal is to ensure the child's basic needs—such as housing, food, education, and healthcare—are met fairly. Courts aim for a fair amount that reflects each parent's ability to pay and the child's best interests, promoting stability and consistent support regardless of the parents’ income differences.