Regarding the postsecondary educational expenditure of a child, the court issues orders that either one or both parents should direct their payments to the educational institute if possible. However, when this is not practical, the court might use its discretion and issue orders that the payments should be directed towards the child, if this child does not stay with either parent
If a child has completed its 23rd birthday, the court does not issue orders pertaining to the payment of postsecondary educational expenditures. However, there are exceptional situations like emotional, physical or mental disabilities of the child, when the court might act otherwise
The basic child support obligation is determined as follows
The combined monthly net income of both parents and each parent's share is calculated
The economic table is used to determine the basic child support obligation
Depending on each parent's share, this basic amount is divided amongst the parents
Assume that it is proved that either one or both parents have children from their other relations and the parents owe a responsibility of support towards these children. In such a case, the court might deviate from the standard calculations
The court considers the following issues and then concludes if the parent in voluntarily unemployed or voluntarily underemployed
Age
Health
Education
Work History
If the court finalizes that a particular parent is voluntarily unemployed or voluntarily underemployed, then, the court might impute income to this parent
The net monthly income is computed after deducting the following expenses from gross monthly income
State industrial insurance premiums
Compulsory union or professional dues
Compulsory pension plan payments
Federal insurance contributions act deductions
Federal and state income taxes
In case of self employed individuals, self employment taxes and normal business expenses
Court ordered spousal maintenance up to the extent that has been actually disbursed
If the inputs regarding voluntary pension payments were made for the 2 tax years preceding the earlier of the following
Tax year during which the partners filed for divorce or
Tax year during which the partners separated with an aim of living separate and apart
Then, deduction is up to 2000 USD per year
Gross monthly income is calculated by adding up the following values
Disability insurance benefits
Social security benefits
Bonuses
Spousal maintenance that has been actually obtained
Unemployment benefits
Workers compensation
Pension retirement benefits
Capital gains
Annuities
Severance pay
Trust income
Interest
Dividends
Income from second jobs
Contract related benefits
Overtime
Deferred compensation
Commissions
Wages
Salaries
Any parent's total child support obligation should not be more than 45 percent of net income, unless some good cause is shown. Some of the examples of good causes are as follows
