Child Support

The laws and guidelines for child support are unique to each State. In Indiana, the non-custodial parent is typically ordered to pay child support to the custodial parent. Child support is calculated using the Indiana Child Support Guidelines. These guidelines are in place to ensure that the best interests of the child (or children) are the primary consideration when establishing a support order. 

How does the court determine the amount of child support to order? The court makes a decision based on the legal documents prepared by your attorney. To make these decisions, you will need to provide your attorney the following information: gross weekly income of each party, cost of health insurance for the child, childcare costs, and extraordinary medical or educational expenses. In some cases where parties share custody of a child, child support can be modified to take into account the shared time arrangement. Other considerations include whether there are children from a previous marriage or relationship and the amount of court ordered support, the number of children, and any other special circumstances. 

You need an experienced attorney to advise you about the amount of child support you should be paying or receiving. If you are the non-custodial parent you may be overpaying, and for a custodial parent you may be entitled to receive more child support. While discussions regarding child support are often emotionally charged, understanding and using the appropriate court guidelines results in a fair arrangement for both parties, ensuring that the child or children are provided for and protected. Both parents are legally and morally obligated to contribute to the support of their children.