Dear Attorneys,
I am in the midst of a custody matter, and my child support figures are coming out pretty high. Will adding additional expenses to my financial affidavit make my support obligation less? For example, if I add that I pay rent to a friend or family member will that affect anything? I don’t understand the Child Support Guidelines that have been sent to me.
Sincerely,
Skeptical of Support
Dear Skeptical,
Your expenses actually do not affect your child support obligation! Adding additional expenses to your financial affidavit will not help in reducing the support you need to pay. We recommend that you be very honest on your financial affidavit. A sworn copy is considered to be “under oath” and may also be filed with the court.
The Child Support Guidelines are based off of your gross income. Your tax deductions and health care costs are subtracted, and the net income is what the software uses to calculate your support obligation. The guidelines also take into account your co-parent’s income. The parent with primary physical custody is usually the payee, and typically the payor has a higher weekly gross income. The Guidelines also take into account which parent carries health insurance and also if either parent has a separate court-ordered child support obligation.
We hope this helps, and we wish you the best of luck on your custody matter! Should you find yourself in need of a confidential consultation, please do not hesitate to contact us at 203.745.3151 or info@wolfandshorelaw.com.
Very Truly Yours,
Wolf & Shore Law Group