FAMILY ISSUES | Child Support Guidelines

If the monthly net resources are $7,500 or less, the guidelines specify the following percentages, depending on the number of children:

1 child  20% of obligor's net resources
2 children25% of obligor’s net resources
3 children30% of obligor’s net resources
4 children35% of obligor’s net resources
5 children40% of obligor’s net resources
6+ childrenNot less than the amount for 5 children

If the obligor’s monthly net resources are more than $7,500, the percentages are to be applied to the first $7,500 of the monthly net resources and the court is allowed to order additional amounts of child support as appropriate, depending on the income of the parties and the proven needs of the child. In deciding whether to award an additional amount, the courts can consider the following:

  • best interests of the child,
  • age and needs of the child,
  • the child’s special and extraordinary expenses (for example, a bodyguard), and
  • positive cash flow from the obligor’s assets.