Child support is determined using guidelines established by California law. Child support guidelines are based on each parent’s monthly income and the amount of time the child is cared for by each parent. The Court Commissioner or Family Law Judge will set the amount of a child support order. The court will consider income from all sources.

Child Support is generally determined by Arizona Child Support Guidelines. The child support process involves a 6-page worksheet that considers among other things: income of both parents, necessary expenses for the child(ren) such as child-care, health insurance costs, etc. It also considers Court-Ordered expenses such as child support for other children, alimony, etc. As of 10/31/96, there is also an adjustment for the amount of time the children spend with the non-custodial parent.

Each child support award is based on a formula which takes into account the incomes of each of the parents, the number of children and specific expenses related to the care of those children. Things such as mortgage or rent payments, car payments, car insurance are not considered. Generally, no. However, if you no longer work because you are fully supported by your current partner, the court may determine you have the ability to earn income.

Child support is defined by law as the ongoing monetary expenditures and payments necessary to cover a child’s living and medical expenses. Both parents have a legal duty to provide financial support for their children. The court may order either or both parents to make ongoing payments to cover a child’s living and medical expenses.

The first step is to acknowledge that being a parent can be hard, and we all need a little help sometimes. If you are involved in behaviors that you don't want your children to do, such as smoking, consider getting support for yourself first. Talking about your parenting challenges with friends can also be very helpful. LifeWorks NW offers free parenting classes throughout Washington and Clatsop County.

You may contact the Child Support Enforcement Division in the Department of Revenue at (907) 269-6800 for information about your case, or visit their web site at http://www.csed.state.ak.us/ for answers to many frequently asked questions.