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Introduction to Child Support
- Child support is the payment from a noncustodial parent to a custodial parent for raising a child. The average child support payment is $430 per month or $5,150 per year according to Census Bureau statistics.
Average Child Support Payments
- The average child support payment is $430 per month or $5,150 per year according to Census Bureau statistics.
- Census data shows men pay $5,450 annually on average, women $3,500.
Factors Affecting Child Support
- Main factors affecting child support payments are the noncustodial parent’s income and earnings.
- A judge also considers bonuses, commissions, dividends, and more in their complicated equation.
Calculation of Child Support
- Income is the criteria used to calculate child support payments, with the amount calculated as a percentage of gross income.
- Child support payments are calculated using the Child Support Worksheet.
State Variations in Child Support Payments
- Each state has different laws regarding child support and how much the noncustodial parent has to pay. The primary deciding factor is income.
Child Support Duration
- In Oregon, child support is paid until the child reaches the age of majority, which in Oregon is 18 years old, and may continue if the child is still attending school.
Payment Methods
- To apply for a debit card for child support payments, contact your state’s child support agency for specific information on the process and requirements.
Comparison of Child Support Amounts
- Massachusetts ranks highest with the most expensive child support payments, averaging $1,187 per month, while Virginia mandates the least support at $402 per month.
Insights into Child Support
- Child support payments are designed to help divorced or separated parents ensure that the needs of their children are met.
- Payments usually cover a range of expenses including food, clothes, educational expenses, and healthcare costs.
