Going through a divorce is an emotional process and sometimes emotions get the better of us. We all want what’s best for our children but when it comes to money, it’s too easy to fight.
That’s one reason why Nebraska’s child support calculations are reasonably firm.
Child support calculations
If you are the non-custodial parent, you will pay child support. The steps to determine how much you will pay in child support are fairly simple.
First, add up the combined monthly income of both parents (minus any public assistance).
Then, to determine each parent’s net income, subtract from each parent’s monthly income:
- Taxes
- Federal income tax withholding
- Health insurance
- Retirement plan contributions
- Child support ordered in a previous divorce
- Credit for children the parent supports
Next, combine the net income of both parents and use a child support calculator to determine the amount of monthly support.
Last, multiply the monthly support by the percentage each parent plans to house the child.
In cases where the parents have little to no income, courts usually order child support of $50 per month or 10 percent of the parent’s income, whichever is greater.
Room for adjustment
There are different calculations for parents who agree on joint custody or have a split custody order.
Self-employed parents can negotiate different pay rates depending on the nature or timing of their income.
Child support usually is paid until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever is later. However, parents can negotiate payments for needs such as college tuition, extracurricular activities, a clothing allowance, car payments or other expenses.
Support may also continue past age 18 if the child has special needs.
