I have sole custody of my 3 kids and was awarded a small amount ten years ago. My ex is behind on that obligation and has had a good paying job for the last four years. I have decided to take him back to court for unpaid support and an increase in current support, one of the children has turned twenty so it is just for the two younger ones. Does my income determine the amount he will have to pay me, or is it cut and dry 25% for the two children?

Each state has guidelines for how support is calculated. In Virginia (my state) for instance, income of both parents is totaled, a percentage of that is determined be the total amount of support for the child monthly, and that amount is split between the parents based on the percentage of the total income that was theirs. The non-custodial parent pays that amount in child support. Other items like existing support orders, insurance, and childcare are also considered. You should be able to look on line and find a child support calculator for your state, that will give you a rough idea of what your expectations should be.

A 50 state list of Child Support Calculators.

Click on your state, enter the information, and it gives you your answer.

Good Luck.