When parents go through a divorce or separation, one of the most important aspects to consider is child support. In Arkansas, there are specific guidelines to determine child support based on factors such as the number of children and the parents’ income. However, calculating child support becomes more complex when parents have joint custody of their children. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of how child support is calculated in cases where parents have joint custody in Arkansas.
Understanding the Concept of Joint Custody
Before delving into the details of child support in joint custody cases, it’s crucial to comprehend the meaning of joint custody in Arkansas. Joint custody refers to a legal arrangement where both parents have an equal say in making decisions regarding their child’s well-being. This includes decisions related to the child’s health, education, and overall welfare. Moreover, joint custody entails both legal and physical custody. Legal custody pertains to the authority to make decisions, whereas physical custody involves the child’s actual residence and care.
Factors Considered in Determining Child Support
In Arkansas, child support is calculated based on several factors, including the parents’ income, the number of children, and the number of overnights each parent spends with the children. When parents have joint custody, the number of overnights becomes a vital aspect in determining child support. It helps establish the percentage of time each parent spends with the children.
Step-by-Step Calculation of Child Support in Joint Custody Cases
Calculating child support in cases involving joint custody is a multi-step process. The initial step involves determining the gross income of both parents. Gross income includes various sources of earnings, such as salaries, wages, bonuses, commissions, and other income streams. Once the gross income is identified, the net income of both parents is calculated by deducting taxes, social security payments, and other allowable deductions.
The subsequent step is to establish the basic child support obligation. In Arkansas, the Income Shares Model is followed, which considers both parents’ combined income and the number of children to calculate the basic child support obligation. This obligation primarily covers the essential needs of the child, including food, housing, clothing, and medical expenses.
Lastly, the basic child support obligation is adjusted based on the number of overnights each parent has with the child. In cases of joint custody, the court determines child support by considering the percentage of time each parent spends with the children. The amount of child support is modified according to the disparity in overnights. For example, if the mother has 145 overnights while the father has 220 overnights, the father’s child support obligation will be lower than that of the mother.
Conclusion
Child support plays a critical role in joint custody cases in Arkansas. The calculation of child support involves assessing the gross income, net income, basic child support obligation, and the number of overnights each parent spends with the child. It is advisable for parents with joint custody to consult a family law attorney to ensure that child support is calculated accurately and fairly. Seeking legal guidance will help address any concerns and establish an equitable child support order.