What do you consider income when calculating a child support obligation?
  • Alimony, in certain cases
  • Income from an interest in an estate or trust
  • Interest, rents, royalties, and dividends
  • Net income from business or dealings in property
  • Pensions and all forms of retirement income
  • Social Security benefits, temporary and permanent disability benefits, worker's compensation and unemployment compensation
  • Wages, salaries, bonuses, fees, and commissions

Other entitlements to money or lump sum awards, without regard to source, including lottery winnings, income tax refunds, insurance compensation or settlement; awards and verdicts and any form of payment due to and collectible by an individual regardless of source.

Other factors which may affect the calculation:

  • Earning capacity is considered when a party willfully fails to obtain appropriate employment. Age, education, work experience, etc., are considered in determining earning capacity
  • Bonuses may be annualized and Income from seasonal employment shall ordinarily be based upon a yearly average

Show All Answers

1. On what income is child support based?
2. What do you consider income when calculating a child support obligation?
3. What happens to my case for support after the complaint is filed?
4. Do I have to agree with the Conference Officer with regard to the amount of support recommended?
5. How are the guidelines applied in order to determine what amount of support would be reasonable?
6. Can a support order be stopped or reduced if the defendant quits or assumes a lower paying job?
7. Will the Support Order always equal the amount determined by the formula?
8. Will someone have to provide medical insurance?
9. Must I use my support money to pay the mortgage, medical, or child care expenses?
10. Will the Court order the parents to pay for private school tuition, summer camp or other needs not addressed by the guidelines?
11. Will the Court order the parents to pay college tuition?