Parents going through a divorce or breakup usually want as much time as they can get with their children. Establishing 50/50 custody arrangements can give each parent ample opportunity to spend quality time with the children. Such arrangements also give each parent respite time during which they can handle personal matters or focus on developing their careers.
An even shared custody arrangement could be the best outcome for many couples. Some people operate under the assumption that child support is not necessary if parents equally share time with their children. However, a discrepancy in overnight parenting time is not the only factor that contributes to child support obligations.
The state looks at several key details
When establishing child support responsibilities, there are unique factors about the family that influence the final order. Those factors include the allocation of parenting time and the financial needs of the children.
In cases where there are extraordinary expenses because of medical challenges or other unusual circumstances, the amount of support the children require might be higher than average. The courts also look at the income of both parents, as well as their current financial obligations.
In a 50/50 custody arrangement, there is likely still a discrepancy in income between the parents. One parent might make significantly more than the other. In such circumstances, the parent with the higher income may need to pay support to the lower-earning parent.
The child support that they provide helps ensure that their children have a consistent standard of living at both households. Parents preparing to negotiate custody arrangements also generally need to understand the rules that apply to child support and how custody might affect their financial responsibilities.
Learning more about how custody and child support influence one another can be beneficial for parents preparing for a breakup or divorce. The state prioritizes what is best for the children in cases where parents disagree about financial support and/or allocations of parenting time.