INDIANA CHILD SUPPORT CALCULATOR AND RESOURCES
Establish or Modify Child Support in the State of Indiana
This page is dedicated to providing information and resources about child support calculations in Indiana. We understand that navigating the complex world of child support can be challenging, and our goal is to make the process easier for you. Here, you'll find valuable tools, guides, and information to help you better understand Indiana's child support system.
Although you have the right to represent yourself in any court proceeding. The Indiana Supreme Court does not encourage anyone to file and prosecute or defend their own divorce, paternity, protective order, or other civil or criminal case.
Representing yourself in court, may or may not be right for you and your decision to represent yourself may have long-term consequences.
The forms on this website are intended to be a helpful resource but are not intended to be legal advice, only an attorney can provide such advice and instruction. We strongly recommend meeting with an attorney before representing yourself.
Information needed for the Indiana Child Support Calculator:
Child Information: Provide details about your children, including their names and ages.
Income Details: Input information about your income and the income of the other parent, ensuring precise calculations.
Parenting Time: Specify the parenting time arrangements between both parents.
Health Care Costs: Account for health care expenses related to your children.
Additional Costs: Include any other relevant costs that may affect the child support calculation.
Tips Before You Get Started
Before using our child support calculator, ensure you have the following:
1. Income and Financial Information:
You will need access to both parents' weekly income details.
Gather information on child care expenses, health insurance premiums, existing child support orders, and any alimony amounts involved.
2. Higher Education Expenses (If Applicable):
If you have a child in higher education, collect data on their school expenses.
Record the amounts contributed by the child from sources like scholarships, loans, and savings.
3. PDF Viewer:
Make sure you have a PDF viewer (such as Adobe Reader) installed on your device to view and print the generated forms.
4. Estimated Time and Comfort:
The calculation process may take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the amount of information you need to input.
Your comfort level with using websites may affect the time required.
5. Save Your Progress:
Important Note: If you begin a calculation but don't complete it in one session, you risk losing your entered information.
To prevent this, save your calculation and make note of the transaction number before exiting.
The calculator allows for a thirty-minute period of inactivity before it times out.
This is a free resource provided by the State of Indiana to help with the establishment or modification of child support. The below is from the State of Indiana.
”Please Read and Agree Before Using the Calculator:
By clicking on the button below, you are agreeing that you understand this website is not a substitute for the advice of a lawyer or a thorough reading of the Indiana Child Support Guidelines.
This calculator may be used by persons wishing to represent themselves in court, but it should be noted that self-representation should not be taken lightly, and that there are many instances in which retaining an attorney is highly advisable. In fact, we suggest that even if you use the forms provided on this site that you still consult with an attorney prior to submitting them to a court.
Every time you file a Court document or appear in Court, you are either helping or hurting your case. Before you move forward with any Court case, it is a good idea to talk with a lawyer to make sure you know your rights and responsibilities, as well as the possible consequences of proceeding. If you choose to go to court without a lawyer, you will have to follow the appropriate Indiana statutes, Indiana Rules of Evidence, Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure, and any local rules. Although these forms have been prepared to you represent yourself, some Courts may have their own procedures and may not accept every form.
For additional information on representing yourself in Court, see Representing Yourself in Court: What you need to know and watch the video “Family Matters”. For finding a lawyer, see Getting Legal Help.
Establishment or Modification of Child Support
Please note, child support is not officially established or modified until an order has been issued by the court. In addition, child support will not be modified unless:
the court finds the current order is unreasonable due to a substantial and continuing change in circumstances, or
more than a year has passed and, if modified, child support would be 20% more or less than the support that is currently ordered.
See Indiana Code 31-16-8-1 (Modification or revocation of child support order or maintenance order)
Required Forms
In addition to filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage or a Petition to Modify Child Support, you must file the following forms with the court when your case is heard. (The following forms can be generated by these calculators.)
Child Support Obligation Worksheet (CSOW)
Parenting Time Credit Worksheet (PTCW)
and for children receiving post-secondary education,
Post-Secondary Education Worksheet (PSEW)
Exclusions
The Indiana Child Support Guidelines always apply to a case in which child support is established or modified. However, these calculators will not calculate deviations from the Guidelines. If you have a special circumstance that calls for deviation, you must still submit the above forms to the court. You may explain your special circumstance to the judge, and the judge may then revise these forms accordingly prior to approving them.”
The Indiana Child Support Calculator -Ensuring Fair Support for Your Child
When it comes to ensuring the well-being of your child, one critical aspect is securing the financial support they need. In Indiana, the Child Support Calculator is a vital tool that plays a pivotal role in determining the financial obligations of parents. In this article, we'll delve into what the Indiana Child Support Calculator is, why it's essential, and how it helps parents provide for their children.
What is the Indiana Child Support Calculator?
The Indiana Child Support Calculator is a specialized tool designed to calculate the amount of child support one parent must pay to the other based on the unique circumstances of each case. It takes into account various factors, including the income of both parents, the number of children involved, the custody arrangements, and any special expenses related to the child's needs.
Why is the Indiana Child Support Calculator Important?
Fair and Consistent Support: One of the primary reasons for the calculator's importance is its role in ensuring fairness and consistency. By considering relevant factors and guidelines, it helps establish a support amount that aligns with the child's needs while taking into account the financial capacity of both parents.
Child's Best Interests: The calculator's objective is to prioritize the child's best interests. It helps maintain a standard of living for the child that is as close as possible to what they would have enjoyed if the parents were together.
Legal Requirement: In Indiana, using the Child Support Calculator is not optional but a legal requirement in child support cases. It provides a structured and systematic approach to determining child support, which reduces disputes and ambiguity.
Efficiency: The calculator streamlines the process of calculating child support, saving time and resources for both parents and the court system. It eliminates the need for lengthy negotiations and court battles over support amounts.
Flexibility: While the calculator provides a guideline for child support, it allows for flexibility in cases where unique circumstances require adjustments. This ensures that the child's specific needs are addressed adequately.
How Does the Indiana Child Support Calculator Work?
The Indiana Child Support Calculator operates based on a formula established by state law. Key factors that influence the support amount include:
Gross Income: The income of both parents, including wages, self-employment income, and other sources, is considered.
Custody Arrangements: The number of overnights each parent has with the child significantly impacts the calculation.
Childcare Costs: Expenses related to childcare, such as daycare or babysitting, are factored in.
Healthcare Costs: The costs of health insurance premiums and any extraordinary medical expenses are considered.
Other Expenses: Special expenses, such as educational or extracurricular activities, are included if applicable.
Conclusion
The Indiana Child Support Calculator is a crucial tool in ensuring that children receive the financial support they need to thrive. It promotes fairness, consistency, and the best interests of the child, all while streamlining the process for parents and the court system. By understanding how this calculator works and its significance, parents can navigate child support matters with clarity and confidence, ultimately contributing to the well-being of their children.
If you have questions or need assistance with using the Indiana Child Support Calculator, it's advisable to consult with a legal professional who can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation.
