Child support after divorce can feel complicated, and you may have questions about what determines the amount of child support amount. When parents have children together and live in separate households, child support helps provide financial assistance to help care for them. While every family’s situation is different, New Mexico follows child support guidelines when determining the amount that should be paid. Keep reading to learn about some of the factors that go into calculating child support payments.
Parent’s income and financial resources
When determining how much child support a parent should pay, the judge will look at both parents’ income. They take into consideration wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, and self-employment income. Other sources of income can include rental income, pensions, or Social Security benefits. If a parent is hiding income or unemployed without a good reason, the court will impute income by calculating their potential to earn.
Number of children and custody arrangement
The amount of child support paid is dependent on how many children you have that need support. Logically, if you have more children, you will pay more in child support. The judge will also consider which parent the child will live with most of the time. If one parent has sole custody, then they will most likely receive support payments from the noncustodial parent. In some cases where parents share equal parenting time, the judge may calculate support amounts to be paid to the other parent depending on time spent.
Child’s needs and standard of living
The child’s overall standard of living is taken into consideration when determining the amount of child support that should be paid. How much did the child cost the parent to spend on things like medical care, education, daycare, and extra-curricular activities? Do they have any special medical needs? Take note of any additional needs your child may have that could affect the amount of child support paid.
Adjustments and modifications
If your financial situation changes, you or your ex-spouse can request that the judge modify the child support order. Say you lose your job and are unable to pay the original amount of child support agreed upon. If your ex makes significantly more than they used to or your child develops special needs, you can request the judge to adjust child support payments. Ultimately, the court will decide if they believe an adjustment is needed.
Final Thoughts About Child Support Monthly Payments
Every family and situation is different, but knowing New Mexico child support laws can help you better understand what you may be required to pay. Judges take each parent’s financial resources, child custody arrangements, and child’s needs into consideration when ruling on child support payments.
Next Steps
If you’re not sure what to do about getting child support set-up in Albuquerque, call The Law Office of Anthony Griego LLC at 505-508-3110 today.
