How does child support in Oregon work?
Oregon is like many states in America when it comes to child support. There may be a few differences in Oregon child support compared to other parts of the country, however. Each state has their own special ways in which they outline child support and Oregon is no different.
Parents in Oregon are responsible for the support of their child/children. The amount an individual pays in Oregon child support depends on the custody arrangement that is outlined by the courts.
In most cases, the non-custodial parent (the parent with the least amount of contact with the child), makes child support payments to the custodial parent (the parent the child lives with). The custodial parent is also responsible for child support. As the child is living with the custodial parent, however, the court assumes the custodial parent spends the “required” financial amount directly on the child.
Oregon Child Support Calculator
Oregon child support is calculated by the needs of the child and not the custodial parent. Ex-spouses can be entitled to alimony payments which can be made on top of child support payments. It isn’t just the child’s needs that are calculated into the amount of child support that must be paid.
The non-custodial parent’s “ability to pay” the required amount is also calculated. The courts in Oregon set a baseline amount of child support that is needed for the child to live. Child support in Oregon is determined by the parents’ income and the number of children being supported.
How is Oregon child support calculated?
The state’s Department of Social Services created a child support calculator and worksheet to help parents calculate the amount of child support that should be paid. In all cases, the state aims for the amount paid and received to be fair.
To calculate the amount of child support a parent must pay, the total gross monthly income of both parents is needed. In addition, spousal support amounts, union dues, payments for additional children, veterans’ benefits, disability payments, retirement, and/or social security payments must also be taken into consideration.
It is often believed that working fewer hours or being underemployed reduces the amount of money a non-custodial parent pays in Oregon child support. This is not the case. Courts can impute a non-custodial parent’s income. Courts review the non-custodial parent’s work history, health, job opportunities, and education to determine their potential income making ability. Courts cannot impute a non-custodial parent’s income if the individual is imprisoned, on worker’s compensation, or works fewer hours due to a verified disability.
