Portland, OR family law attorney Tate Justesen talks about how child support is determined in a divorce case. He notes that determining child support involves a number of factors, which can sometimes frustrate parents because the process is not always straightforward. In Oregon, the baseline calculation comes from the state’s child support guidelines, which use a standardized calculator. By inputting certain information, the calculator produces a monthly support amount.

The primary factors in this calculation are the gross monthly income of both parents and the amount of parenting time each parent has with the child. Additional considerations include work-related childcare expenses, the cost of health insurance for the child and parents, and other routine financial responsibilities.

However, deviations from the baseline calculation are common. Oregon administrative rules allow adjustments to address real-life complexities, such as self-employment income, unusual financial circumstances, or special needs of the child that require greater financial support. Courts review these circumstances to determine whether a deviation from the guideline amount is appropriate.

In short, while the child support calculator provides a baseline, the final amount can vary significantly depending on the unique circumstances of each case.