Each state has developed guidelines to calculate a range of child support to be paid, based on the parents’ respective incomes and expenses. These guidelines vary from state to state, which means that in virtually identical situations the child support ordered in one state may be far more or less than that ordered in another state. The guidelines in effect in most states specify factors that must be considered in determining who pays how much child support. These factors usually include:
1. The needs of the child — including health insurance, education, day care, and special needs
2. The income and needs of the custodial parent
the paying parent’s ability to pay, and the child’s standard of living before divorce or separation.
Child support can be calculated in mediation under the state’s guidelines and based on the parties’ financial situation.