Most parents expect to pay or receive child support after a divorce, but most of those people do not know how child support payments are determined. To understand how the changes could apply to your situation, it’s important to work with an experienced lawyer. When you contact my firm — The Law Office of Timothy M. Sweet, LLC — I can educate you about the child support formula and how much you can expect to pay or receive.

How Is Child Support Determined?

Many people in Providence think that child support is determined based on both their income and expenses. For example, some people think that if they cannot afford child support because of their mortgage or student loans, that the amount will be changed.

In reality, child support does not take a parent’s individual expenses into consideration. It is determined by a formula, which includes the following factors:

• Income of each parent
• Number of children
• Health care expenses for the children
• Day care expenses for the children

Modifications To Child Support Payments

When financial arrangements are created, they are based on the current situations of both parents. However, if there is a significant change in either parent’s living situation, the support payments may be modified. Job loss, a promotion or an involuntary change in hours could all contribute to modifications.

If you are interested in having your payments modified, it’s important to remember that you are responsible for your current payments until a judge issues a new order.

Contact An Experienced Lawyer

If you have questions about how child support is determined, an experienced child support attorney can educate you about the process and formula. Learn more by scheduling your free initial consultation. I can be reached through an online contact form or by calling 401-216-6506.