Child support is a crucial financial obligation that aims to provide the necessary financial support to children involved in a divorce or separation. Arkansas has set guidelines for calculating child support payments to ensure that both parents fulfill their responsibility towards their children. In this article, we will explain how child support is calculated in Arkansas.
Guidelines for Child Support in Arkansas
Arkansas has established child support guidelines aimed at providing adequate financial support for children. Under these guidelines, both parents are required to provide financial support for their children. Child support payments are determined based on the gross income of both parents.
In Arkansas, unless circumstances suggest otherwise, child support is calculated based on the non-custodial parent’s income. The non-custodial parent is the parent with whom the children do not live for the majority of the time.
Factors Considered in Child Support Calculations
Arkansas considers several factors while calculating child support payments. Some of the factors include:
Income
The income of both parents is a decisive factor in calculating child support payments. The court considers a parent’s gross income, including wages, salaries, tips, bonuses, and commissions.
Child care expenses
Child care expenses refer to the expenses incurred in providing daycare services for the child. These expenses are divided proportionally between the parents based on their incomes.
Health care expenses
Health care expenses take into account the medical costs incurred for the child. Health insurance premiums, co-payments, and prescriptions for the child are all considered.
Overnight stays with the non-custodial parent
The amount of time the child spends with the non-custodial parent is considered while calculating child support payments. If the child spends significant time with the non-custodial parent, the parent may receive a reduction in child support payments.
Calculating Child Support Payments in Arkansas
The Arkansas Supreme Court has outlined specific guidelines for calculating child support payments. The court uses a formula that considers the number of children involved, the combined gross income of the parents, and the expenses associated with child care, health care, and overnight stays with the non-custodial parent.
Before calculating child support payments, the court deducts the following from the gross income:
- Federal income tax obligations
- Social Security, Medicare, and state income tax deductions
- Any previously court-ordered child support payments
After the deductions, the court determines the percentage of each parent’s gross income. The percentage is calculated by dividing each parent’s gross income by the combined income of both parents.
Finally, the court determines the amount of child support payments by using the following formula:
- Number of children x monthly amount x non-custodial parent’s percentage of income
Conclusion
Child support is a crucial financial obligation that ensures proper financial support for children involved in a divorce or separation. Arkansas has established guidelines for calculating child support payments to ensure that both parents fulfill their financial responsibility towards their children. The guidelines consider various factors such as income, child care expenses, health care expenses, and overnight stays with the non-custodial parent. By following the guidelines, parents can ensure that their children receive the necessary financial support to lead a comfortable life.