Calculate Child Support in Your Divorce With a Child Support Calculator
You can find free child support calculators on the Internet that can help you in planning and negotiating your divorce (see below). But before you jump in and start using the calculators, here are some tips for using them effectively:
1. Realize they're only estimates.
No calculator is perfect, and they cannot take into account every single circumstance you might be facing. Use the calculators as a guide, but do not rely on them as being 100% accurate in your particular case. Your divorce attorney can run a more precise number for you with expensive software they have in their office.
2. Know the information you need up front.
Depending on your state and which method they use for determining child support, you will need certain information. Some states only require the paying spouse's income. Other states need both spouses' income. You may also need to know how much is withheld in taxes. In most states it's helpful to know amounts paid for health insurance and child care for the children. Check out your state's calculator first to see exactly what information you need.
3. If you don't know an amount exactly, use your best estimate.
Again, these calculators aren't perfectly accurate to begin with. So if you're just trying to get a general idea of what the child support amount will be, just do your best, and get a more accurate number from your divorce lawyer later.
4. Don't get "stuck" on the number from the calculator.
The numbers produced by the calculators are called guidelines. You and your spouse, your attorneys, and the judge are not bound by law to use these amounts. You'll want to know the amount to have a place to start your negotiations, but you are free to agree with your spouse on virtually any arrangement you choose. Naturally, you will want your lawyer involved to make sure you are protected.
So keep these points in mind, and take full advantage of the free child support calculators to help you negotiate your divorce settlement.