Am I obligated to pay child support?
The support of a minor child is a mutual obligation. Both parents are required to contribute to the needs of their child. The amount of support is based on several factors. Many states have adopted formulas (guideline support calculations) that determine the amount of support to be paid. The court's take into account each parties incomes and the time that party spends with the child. There is actually a possibility that the parent with the larger percentage of custody of a child would pay support to the lower percentage parent based on respective incomes.
Parents may agree between themselves as to the level of support each will provide for the child. Absent an agreement, the court will set the level of support based on the relevant factors.
If left to the court to determine, each party must provide credible information regarding their incomes. In most states the parties expenses have no bearing on child support, only incomes. Income includes wages, bonuses, commissions, overtime, dividends, interest received, rental income, trust income and can include ability to earn. Child support continues on a monthly basis until the child is emancipated. In some states emancipation occurs at 18, others can go up to 23.
You should consult with an experienced Family Law Attorney to determine what your legal obligations are regarding child support.