Child support can often be one of the most contentious issues in a divorce or custody issue. In many cases, couples will fight bitterly over dollar amounts for child support. Unfortunately, the people who ultimately suffer most in this process are the children.
It is important to be represented by an attorney who understands Kentucky child support laws. Kentucky case law has played a major role in the calculation of child support. Greta Hoffman can help you navigate through state child support statutes.
Calculation of Child Support
The courts consider several factors when calculating child support. The following are some commonly recognized factors:
- How much each parent earns
- Amount actually paid as maintenance/alimony to the other parent of these children
- Amounts actually paid in support of prior-born children
- The health insurance and work-related child care costs spent for the children by either parent
- How many minor children involved in this case
- The percentage of time children are under each parent's care and control
What expenses are included Child Support?
Many parents question whether school expenses, school lunches, medical expenses, or extra-curricular costs are included in child support. The answer depends on whether you are already bound by a Court Order, and if not, will depend upon the jurisdiction of your case.
In most cases, the courts will not order additional child support based on your children's extracurricular activities, your mortgage payment, or any other living expenses you might incur. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Generally, the courts will include the following factors into your child support calculation:
- Medical, dental, or pharmaceutical costs not covered by insurance
- Medical insurance costs (if not covered by the custodial parent's employment)
- Child care costs while the custodial parent is at work or at school
In general, these expenses will be covered by both parents based on the income ratio of each parent. For example, if the non-custodial parent makes twice as much money as the custodial parent, then the non-custodial parent will pay twice as much for these additional expenses.
Therefore, if the Court does not specifically order an expense to be paid in addition to a child support order, the paying parent should consult with counsel before presuming they should pay the expense. It's possible that the expense should be paid entirely by the parent receiving child support.
Greta Hoffman can Help
Greta Hoffman has helped many clients resolve their child support issues. She has a firm grasp on state laws and can clearly explain to you what factors are affecting this calculation.
As your family's lawyer, Ms. Hoffman cares about the well-being of everyone in your family. As a result, when handling child support cases, she will always strive to keep her clients focused on doing what is in the best interest of the children. It is easy to get caught up in bitter fights with your ex-spouse over money. However, this should not occur at the expense of your children.
In the end, it is important to remember that you are fighting over money that will be used for the benefit of your children. Ms. Hoffman is committed to making sure that squabbles over money don't get in the way of your relationship with your children or their continued happiness and well-being.
Please contact Northern Kentucky child support attorney Greta Hoffman today to schedule a consultation. She serves clients in Boone, Campbell, Gallatin, Grant, and Kenton counties.
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