In Arkansas, both parents are responsible for financially supporting their child(ren), and the Court must know whether the parents will share joint custody of their child(ren) in each case.
In cases where parents share joint custody of their child(ren), one parent is determined to be the lower earner and the other as the higher earner.
In non-joint custody, one parent is the custodial parent, and the other is the non-custodial parent. In both scenarios, the higher earner or non-custodial parent is responsible for paying child support to the other parent.
This post will explore the methods used to determine child support obligations in Arkansas.
Family Support Chart in Arkansas
2020 Arkansas revised its monthly Family Support Chart to use an Income Shares Model. Under this new model, child support is determined based on the combined gross income of both parents minus any permissible deductions. Gross income is the total income earned before any taxes or other deductions are made.
Permissible deductions include any preexisting court-ordered child support to another child, spousal support for the current case, and additional monthly child-rearing expenses, such as the child(ren)'s health insurance, extraordinary medical expenses, and work-related childcare expenses.
What is the Affidavit of Financial Means?
The Affidavit of Financial Means verifies both parents' income. Each parent must truthfully and accurately complete the Affidavit of Financial Means and submit it with the required documentation, e.g. paystubs, W2s, 1099s, etc.) to the Court for filing.
What is Considered Income?
Income refers to all the money you earn each month, including wages, overtime, commissions, regular bonuses, and any other payments from your employer(s). It also encompasses earnings from your business, self-employment, 1099 work, distributed profits, and other regular payments or profits you may receive. The list provided does not encompass all types of income, so it is essential to go over types of income with your attorney.
If you are unemployed or do not receive any income, the Court can impute or apply income to the non-working party so that child support can be calculated.
Just because you do not work and earn no money does not mean you will not have to pay child support.
Contact the Davidson Law Firm for More Information
There is plenty more to know about child support in Arkansas. Please call the Davidson Law Firm at 501-374-9977 for more information.
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