What items do child support formulas consider?
The amount of time each parent spends with the child is factored into the formula. Since a “custodial parent” likely spends more time with the child he or she is also likely incurring greater expense in raising the child. This is factored into the equation when determining child support issues. The number of children in common between the parents is often considered. The theory is that certain fixed expenses do not rise with the number of children for whom support must be provided, so the actual amount of support per child is lower given the greater number of children in common. Special circumstances, such as extraordinary medical expenses, special educational needs, travel expenses incurred for child visitation, uninsured catastrophic losses and the cost of basic living expenses for children from another relationship, can also affect the amount of guideline child support that is to be paid.
