How does the court determine child support payments?

In New Mexico, courts use the Income Shares Model when determining the amount of child support payments. This model uses the income of both the custodial and non-custodial parent to determine the amount of child support that is to be paid. The court considers a variety of factors when using this model. These include the number of children in the household, each parent’s income, and any additional child expenses, such as medical bills or daycare. Once these factors are taken into account, the total amount of child support is determined and is then split between the two parents in relation to their respective incomes. For example, if the custodial parent earns $1,000 per month and the non-custodial parent earns $3,000 per month, the non-custodial parent would be responsible for the majority of the child support payment. It is important to note that the court can adjust the payment amount if the circumstances warrant. If either parent experiences a drastic change in income due to a job loss or personal injury, the court can reassess the payments. Likewise, if the child’s needs change, such as needing more child care, the court can take this into account as well. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that the child’s needs are met and that both parents are contributing their fair share.

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How does the court determine child support payments?

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