I have been using EasySoft. What do I need to know to start using Family Law Software?

Here are some key points to know when making the transition from EasySoft to Family Law Software. You might want to print this out and use it as a “cheat sheet.”

Case Information Statement

1. Data Entry. Enter the data on the screens in the “Enter Data” section. Do not enter data directly on the “Print Case Information Statement” screen.
   
2. Client Data Entry. Family Law Software makes it easy for clients to enter their data and send it to you electronically. In the Cloud software, create the new case file, then click the checkbox to grant the client access. This can be a real time saver.

Child Support

With respect to calculating child support, Family Law Software does a number of things much more easily than they are done in EasySoft. These include the following:

1. Shared Custody. On the Key Support Data screen, enter the number of overnights for each child on the same line where you enter the child. The software will automatically determine whether shared custody applies.
   
2. Other Dependent Deduction (ODD). Below the section where you enter children, you will see a line for the ODD deduction. Click the link for the worksheet on this line.
   
3. Split Custody. On the Key Support Data screen, on the lines where you enter the children, simply specify different parents as “Parent of Primary Residence.” The software will do the split custody calculation automatically.
   
4. Exactly Equal Parenting. Below the section where you enter the children, just click the checkbox labeled Wunsch-Deffler. The software will do the rest.
   
5. Teenage Adjustment. The teenage adjustment is calculated automatically, based on the birth date you enter on the line where you enter the child’s information. There is nothing else you need to do. You can see the calculation on the worksheet linked to the teenage adjustment line below where you enter the children.
   
6. Taxes. You can see the taxes on the Deductions > Taxes section. If you wish to use actual taxes, which the statute actually says is preferred (though infrequently used), override the selection to be “Use Actual 1040” on that page.
   
7. Child Support to use in the Budget Report, What If screens, and cash flow projections. This section, near the bottom of the screen where you enter child support information, is where you indicate the child support and spousal support amounts that will be used in the View/Edit Taxes report, Budget Report, Alimony After Tax report, and other “what if” and negotiation reports.