Is there a different child support calculator for shared versus full placement?
Question Details:
I have full physical custody of our 2 children and am currently going through a divorce. I have found the standard child support calculator, however, considering my soon-to-be ex sees his children maybe 15 days out of a year, I'm thinking that I should be receiving more than what it's coming up with.
The best thing to do is not to use those on-line calculators but to speak with a knowledgeable attorney in your area.
Wisconsin has adopted percentage guidelines, which make the determination of child support in most routine cases, clear cut. Unless the court finds a reason for not applying the percentage guidelines, or unless, the parent who does not have primary physical placement is considered a shared time payor, then the court will order child support as follows:
- one child --- 17%
- two children -- 25%
- three children -- 29%
- four children -- 31%
- five children -- 33%
The percentage order is made based upon the gross income of the person paying the support. This means total pay, not take home. Assume a parent has income of $2,000 per month, and take home of $1,500. The child support for one child would be $340 per month, two children $500, three children $580, etc.
There are three typical situations where an order will not be the flat percentage above: the serial family situation, the shared time payor and where the court finds a basis to deviate from the guidelines.
Is your soon to be ex considered a shared time payor? Were your calculations straight percentage? Could the court find a basis to deviate from the percentages permitted? Seek legal help on this. Good luck.
