Greenwich Child Support Lawyer
Child support is a financial obligation established to ensure that the needs of children are met following a divorce or separation. It is typically calculated based on the parents’ combined net income and the number of children requiring support, with guidelines that provide a presumptive amount. In cases involving high income or complex financial arrangements, the court may consider deviations from these guidelines, taking into account factors such as shared parenting arrangements, significant assets, extraordinary expenses, and the family's overall financial situation. Proper evaluation of all income sources, including bonuses, deferred compensation, and nontraditional earnings, is essential for accurately determining support obligations.
Child support orders often extend beyond regular payments to cover additional expenses related to the child's well-being, such as healthcare, childcare, private schooling, extracurricular activities, and travel costs. These expenses are allocated proportionally based on each parent’s income and the child's specific needs. Child support typically continues until the child turns 18, but it may be extended if the child remains in high school or has special needs. The goal of child support arrangements is to provide for the child's best interests while accommodating the financial circumstances of both parents.