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"I have to pay to pay what?" may be the question most often asked on
the 5th or 6th floor of the Family Law Court. It is here that parents (mainly
fathers) discover yet another "expense" involved in the dissolution of
their relationship. Financially drained, emotionally distraught, and often
physically uprooted, the next most often heard remark may be, "it's not
fair". Fairness in life is largely subjective In the Family Law Court,
however, when it comes to determining the dollar amount for child Support, a
computer program called Dissomaster, rules!
The law states that children must be supported and therefore, child support
is mandatory. Prior to the late 1980's however, child support was largely at the
discretion of the court, i.e., the judge would look at the income of both
parents and make a somewhat arbitrary decision on who should pay and how much.
With out many official or legal guidelines to follow, two families with similar
incomes could end up paying considerably different child support payments.
In a effort to standardize payments a formula was developed, and with the aid
of the computer Dissomaster was born. Now, the amount of child
support, as defined by law, is based on the dollar amount entered into the Dissomaster
program. The basic figures include: Dad's and Mom's Income plus child care
costs; other expenses may also be considered (but not travel expenses).
Another important element in the formula is the amount of time each parent
spends with the child(ren) For example, the more time Dad spends with the
child(ren), the less he pays. One result of Dissomaster appears to
be Dad's wanting more time with their children -- money or love?
In divorce, everyone loses. Some parents quit jobs declare bankruptcy or find
themselves living in rented rooms in order to support their children. In other
families, children find themselves moving back and forth every few days when
shared by their parents in a variety of creative ways. Is Dissomaster
fair? It may be better than "arbitrary", but who knows?
Spousal support on the other hand is more discretionary with the dollar
amount based on "her" need and "his" ability to pay. Because
in many families both parents work, spousal support may be for a limited period
of time or nonexistent especially if the marriage was shorter than 10 years.
WHAT IS CHILD SUPPORT?