Calculating Child Support in Divorce
by Warren Sacks, CPA, CFF
When in a court process or litigation, child support is calculated based upon a formula that includes income, itemized deductions, tax filing status, child support add-ons, and each parent’s percentage of time when they are with their child or children. The formula is CS = K[HN–(H%)(TN)](a).
The result of the formula is generally termed “guideline child support.” In a litigation process, the guideline amount is almost always the child support amount ordered by the court or the amount the parents settle upon.