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What Are The Child Support Guidelines?

Child support guidelines are mandated by federal law, but developed on a state-by-state basis.

Although called "guidelines," they are in fact mathematical formulas that calculate child support amounts.

The formulas tend to be based on a percent of the non-custodial spouse's income, or on a percent of the combined incomes of custodial and non-custodial spouses.

The formulas sometimes have special adjustments to compensate the spouse who covers medical expenses, health insurance, and/or day care costs.

In most states, the courts follow the formulas pretty closely.

The program calculates some states' guidelines in the "Guidelines" tab. For the remaining states, please speak with your attorney or mediator, or check with your local child support enforcement agency.

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