The state of Nebraska sets a group of laws and guidelines that aim for the benefit of children after the divorce of their parents. According to law, child support is a mutual responsibility divided between both parents according to their monthly income. Child support is meant to cover a lot of expenses that are related to the children’s emotional, social and physical well-being. These will include tuition fees, medical expenses, entertainment and any other activities that children might engage in.
Child support payments are usually made by the non-custodial parent and given to the custodial parent. The non-custodial parent who doesn’t live with the child can also make the payments to other caregivers or the grandparents if the custodial parent doesn’t live with the child. Child support payments are governed by the laws set in each state. These laws determine how much the non-custodial parent will pay and aim for the children’s best interest. Their aim is never to punish any of the parents.
Child Support Laws Guidelines:
Typically both parents are required to spend money to support their children. However, the custodial parent or caregiver usually receives money from the non-custodial parent. The custodial parent directly spends on the children because they live with them. The parent who doesn’t live with the child, therefore, will have to pay to the custodial parent this amount of monthly money to help support the child.
Child Support laws also apply in case of very low income. If the non-custodial parent is not making enough money, they would still have to pay a minimum of $50 or 10% of their net income, whichever is higher to support their children.
Child Support Adjustments:
Parents must pay child support until the child turns 19. The amount ordered by the court is considered to be an obligation for all parties. However, the court has the right to adjust the amount up or down depending on the situation.
There are some special cases where the court would deviate from the general guidelines, also assuming the children’s best interest. Such cases include:
- If either the parents, one or all children suffer from medical conditions that involve a lot of expenses. In this case, the court will not follow the general guidelines and would consider the financial status of the involved parties.
- If the child or children are disabled or have special needs. In this case, the regular monthly child support that would be normally paid to a healthy child wouldn’t be appropriate to cater for their needs.
- If there is split custody order, the court will readjust the amounts that would be naturally paid by the non-custodial parent, since the term doesn’t accurately reflect the case. The family law court will use special worksheets to calculate the amount that has to be paid by each parent.
- If the total net income exceeds $10000, or any other case where the application of the general guidelines would be inappropriate.
In some cases, parents would agree to pay amounts that differ from the ones determined according to the guidelines. The court would approve since this might be better for the children’s. Likewise, parents who try to prove that they are making less money by refusing to work or working less will get into legal issues and won’t be able to get away with it. This way, the court makes sure that all parties are treated fairly and that children are receiving the adequate support they need.
