Kansas Child Support

When Kansas parents divorce or live separately, one of the challenges they face is how to share in the financial support of their children. At Schwartz & Park, L.L.P., we help our clients establish, modify, and enforce child support orders as needed for their children's well-being. Our goal is to ensure that our clients' children receive the financial support to which they are entitled by helping to establish a child support order that is fair to both parties.

Understanding Kansas Child Support Calculations

Child support in Kansas is determined according to the Kansas Child Support Guidelines. These guidelines are used by judges and hearing officers to calculate the amount of child support each parent is to contribute toward their children's care. In Kansas, both parents have an obligation to financially support their children. Through application of the formulas found in the Child Support Guidelines, a support amount is established for each parent and the non-residential parent pays support to the residential parent.

The Kansas Child Support Guidelines take into account many factors, including:

• Each parent's gross income
• Visitation schedules, and the percentage of time the children spend with each parent
• Day care costs, health insurance premiums, and other specific necessary expenses
• Income tax deductions and other tax considerations
• Any unique circumstances, such as a child with special needs, or expenses incurred as a result of long-distance travel for parenting time.

The Kansas Child Support Guidelines were first established in 1987, and have evolved over time based on input from Kansas parents and attorneys in order to be able to apply to the real-world economic circumstances Kansas families face. The many nuances of the Child Support Guidelines make it essential to have an attorney who understands how to use them.

Knowledgeable Northwest Kansas Child Support Attorneys

At Schwartz & Park, L.L.P., we are experienced with the use of the Guidelines and the case law interpreting them. We know how to present a case in a way that will achieve a result that is fair both for our clients and their children.

In addition to establishing child support awards in original child support or divorce actions, we also help our clients to modify child support; modifications are frequently requested due to a significant change in one parent's income, a change in residency of the child or a change in the child's age. We also represent clients in the enforcement of delinquent Kansas child support obligations.

If you need an initial child support determination, a modification of child support or enforcement of an existing order, we invite you to contact us at (785) 625-0024 or via our online contact form. We look forward to working with you.