Do the Guidelines consider the income of new partners or spouses?
Generally, the Guidelines do not consider the income of other members of the household such as new spouses or common-law partners. They treat parents’ financial obligations toward the children independently. The amount the payer must contribute is set according to his or her own annual income. The situations where the court would look at the income of other household members is when one parent makes an undue hardship claim (see below) or if a step-parent is required to pay. Can the amount of child support differ from the table amount? Yes. Not all families or children are alike and the amount of child support awarded may be adjusted in certain circumstances. The Guidelines are intended to set a minimum level for contribution. The amount of support may differ from the table amount because of: • special expenses for the child • court finds that the table amount would cause undue hardship • parent paying support contributes to the special needs or educational expenses of children over the
