Chart Child Support Method Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Chart Child Support Method, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Chart Child Support Method?

“A process that is used to determine the basis of child support and considers the parent’s gross income, minus child support payments for children from a previous marriage, and the amount of money which each child requires.

History and Meaning of Chart Child Support Method

The chart child support method is a calculation formula used to determine child support payments. It was introduced in the early 1980s by the federal government as a way to standardize child support calculations across the United States. The method is based on the gross income of the parents and takes into account the number of children and their specific needs.

Under this method, each state must undergo a process of developing a chart that lists child support amounts based on income and specific family circumstances. The chart is used to determine the initial child support payment amount, but a court may deviate from the chart if it is found to be inappropriate for individual cases.

Examples of Chart Child Support Method

  1. John and Mary are divorcing and have one child. John has a gross income of $60,000 per year, and Mary has a gross income of $40,000 per year. According to the state's chart, the child support payment should be $800 per month, which is based on John's income and the number of children.

  2. Susan has four children, and her ex-husband, David, has a gross income of $100,000 per year. Based on the state's chart, David's child support payment should be $2,000 per month.

  3. Alice and Bob have two children, and Alice has primary custody. Bob has a gross income of $50,000 per year, and Alice has a gross income of $30,000 per year. According to the state's chart, the child support payment should be $600 per month.

Legal Terms Similar to Chart Child Support Method

  1. Child custody - Refers to the legal and practical relationship between a parent and their child, including decision-making authority and parenting time.

  2. Child support guidelines - Set of rules and regulations that govern the calculation and determination of child support payments.

  3. Alimony - A court-ordered payment that provides financial support to a spouse based on their need and the other spouse's ability to pay.

  4. Child support arrears - Refers to past-due child support payments that have not been paid in full.

  5. Child support enforcement - A system that ensures child support orders are enforced, including the collection of past-due payments.