Family Law: How Much Do I Pay For Child Support In Wisconsin?

“Who is responsible to pay child support?”

 

We receive this question a lot as Beloit Family Law attorneys—for obvious reason. The financial stability of the child or children involved is a foremost concern in a divorce or paternity case.

The general answer is “any non-custodial parent of a child, whether previously married to the custodial parent or not.” In this case, a “non-custodial” parent can be either the mother or father of the child or children.

 

But—as we’ve always stressed—Family Law, in Beloit or otherwise, is a complicated set of rules and procedures, and “who will pay child support?” is typically the first of several relevant questions or concerns.

 

Following are a short list of key questions (and their corresponding answers) on the subject of child support I’ve fielded in my time as a Beloit Family Law attorney.

 

How is Child Support Calculated?

 

The amount of child support a non-custodial parent will pay is calculated based on gross income, which generally includes all pre-tax earnings.

 

How Much Child Support Will I Have to Pay?

 

The courts use a percentage standard based on the payor’s monthly income available for child support, again determined by the non-custodial parent’s gross income.

 

Percentages are categorized based on the number of children involved, broken down thusly:

 

• 17% gross income for one child
• 25% gross income for two children
• 29% gross income for three children
• 31% gross income for four children
• 34% gross income for five or more children

Are There Other Expenses That May Potentially Be Considered Child Support?

 

Yes. It’s possible that the court may order a father to contribute to the birth cost of the child. These costs will be added to the court ordered child support.

 

It’s also possible that one or both parents be required to secure private health insurance for their child or children; however, this is only possible if insurance is available at a reasonable cost, not exceeding 5% of the insuring parent’s monthly gross income available for child support.

 

Medical support is unique, however, in that the parent responsible for child support may be entitled to a reduction in payment in order to offset the cost of private medical insurance. And it’s important to remember that a division of medical expenses not covered by insurance will be determined by each parent’s ability to pay.

 

How Can I Secure Child Support for My Children?

 

As with any important legal issue, it’s important that our Beloit audience work closely with an experienced Beloit Family Law attorney in order to ensure the best possible results for you and your family—it’s too important not to seek the counsel of someone who can truly help.

 

If you are seeking child support, or are being petitioned for child support payment, contact an experienced Beloit Family Law firm, The Fitzgerald Law Firm, today for a free consultation. We understand that meetings may not be possible during traditional business hours, so please let us know a time that works for you and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.