Joint Custody Doesn't Eliminate Child Support: What Really Determines the Amount?

Attorney Eldor Levi Finkelstein explains how child support is determined after separation, and why joint custody does not automatically exempt from payment. The article breaks down the components of child support, explains when an agreement can be modified, and warns against signing quickly without understanding the nuances.

Attorney Eldor Levi Finkelstein, a family law specialist, explains that determining child support after separation depends on several factors: income gaps between parents, parenting time distribution, children's ages, and personal law. Contrary to popular belief, joint custody does not automatically eliminate child support – even when children spend equal time with both parents, if there is a significant income gap, payment may still be ordered. The article breaks down the components of child support: basic (food, clothing), housing and maintenance, and "extras" (activities, education, medical treatments). It emphasizes the importance of precise wording in the agreement to avoid double payments. Finkelstein also explains that modifying an agreement requires a substantial change in circumstances such as job loss or significant income decrease, and not every change justifies a reduction. The article warns against signing quickly out of a desire to end the process, which may lead to more costly future disputes.