Child support can be a major point of contention among parties in a divorce. Child support is a court-ordered monetary payment made by a parent for the benefit of a child’s basic lifestyle requirements. Like any other state, Wisconsin child support laws are very strict and take a late payment very seriously. Wisconsin also has a few child support laws that are unique to the state.
Typically, Wisconsin calculates child support payments based on:
- Your financial earnings
- The other parent’s financial earnings.
- The number of children you have with the other parent.
- The amount of time the children are under each separate parent’s care.
However, there are many other factors which may affect child support. Thankfully, the divorce attorneys at Bandle & Zaeske are experts at negotiating child support payments, especially if you or the other parent’s personal or financial situation changes.
Sometimes, Wisconsin courts will take extraordinary expenses into consideration when determining child support payment amounts. These include, but are not limited to, involvement in sports leagues, dance lessons, or after-school activities.
Likewise, these laws consider child-care expenses incurred while a spouse is at work, as well as any medical insurance and medical costs not covered by insurance. If the child is not covered under the custodial parents’ insurance plan, the non-custodial parent will often be expected to foot some of the bill for those needs.
Child support may also vary, depending on numerous other factors, including other children supported by either parent, complex placement arrangements that differ between children, and for higher income individuals.
Child support can be a complicated, touchy subject that often raises conflicts over money. It’s important to remember that your children should always come first, and they should never be put in the middle of an argument between you and their other parent. Bandle & Zaeske divorce lawyers have the legal knowledge and expertise to guide you through the child support process so you know what to expect and how to get a fair shake.
To learn more about your child support situation in the state of Wisconsin, give Bandle & Zaeske a call at (414)359-1424 or submit a consultation form today.