Child support guidelines vary from state to state.
In order to get a rough idea of what your child support obligation is (or what your child should receive) you can make use of online child support calculators and review your state’s legal guidelines for child support.
Remember: Child support calculators which are specific to each state are simply estimates.
The estimates are constructed around the unique information that you and your EX input; your data is then combined with the state’s statutory formulas to equal an informal estimate. (your data + your EX’s data + State’s formula = informal online child support estimate).
Very important: The amount of child support a court orders for any particular case may be different from the amount estimated by an online child support calculator. In short, the court has the final authority to determine the amount of child support awarded.
Because child support is so specific to each state and child support cases are so diverse, it is best to seek an attorney, or pre-paid legal firm in your area for more detailed information on child support guidelines, child support modification and penalties for not paying child support.
TIP: Make sure you do your homework first. Go online to your local court’s child support or family court section, and see what kind of resources may be offered through the courts.