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Child Support in Wisconsin

When determining child support in Wisconsin, there are various factors and guidelines that must be considered to ensure the support amount is fair and adequate for the child's needs. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of how child support is calculated, the factors that influence it, and other relevant details.

Understanding Wisconsin Child Support Guidelines

Child support in Wisconsin is primarily dictated by state guidelines, which use a set formula to calculate the payment amount based on the gross income of the parent responsible for paying. The goal of child support is to ensure that the child's financial needs are met equitably, taking into account both parents' incomes and the child’s standard of living if the parents were living together.

Key Factors in Wisconsin's Child Support Calculation

1. Percentage of Income Standard

Wisconsin uses a method known as the "percentage of income standard" to calculate child support payments. This standard applies a fixed percentage of the paying parent's income depending on the number of children involved. The breakdown is as follows:

17% for one child
25% for two children
29% for three children
31% for four children
34% for five or more children

These percentages are applied to the paying parent's gross income, which includes wages, salaries, bonuses, employer-provided benefits, military allowances, and any other sources of income.

2. Shared-Placement Formula

In cases where parents share custody of the child, Wisconsin employs a shared-placement formula. This considers the time each parent spends with the child, adjusting the payment proportionally. If each parent has the child at least 25% of the time, the formula adjusts to account for shared expenses.

3. Variable Costs and Special Circumstances

Certain additional factors can affect the child support amount, such as:

Variable Costs: These include expenses for the child related to education, extracurricular activities, and health care. These costs are usually shared in proportion to each parent's income.
Special Circumstances: The court may deviate from standard guidelines under specific circumstances, such as when a child has special needs that require additional financial support.

A Closer Look at Income Determination

Gross Income Inclusions

When calculating child support, gross income is a pivotal factor. It not only includes traditional earnings but also:

Unemployment compensation
Social Security benefits
Rental property income
Income from self-employment or partnerships
Retirement benefits

Income Imputation

If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, the court may impute income. This means the court estimates potential income based on prior earnings, job opportunities, and qualifications.

Adjustments for Low-Income Payers

For parents with low incomes, Wisconsin recognizes that standard percentages may not be feasible. The state has a "low-income payer" guideline which reduces the obligation to a more affordable amount, ensuring that paying parents can still meet their own basic needs while supporting their child.

Enforcement and Modification

Enforcement of Child Support Orders

Wisconsin takes non-payment of child support very seriously, and enforcement measures include:

Wage garnishment directly from paychecks
Seizure of tax refunds
Fines or jail time
Suspension of professional licenses

Modifying a Child Support Order

Child support orders can be modified if there is a significant change in circumstances, such as:

A notable change in either parent's income
Changes in the child’s financial needs or expenses
Alterations in placement arrangements

Parents seeking a modification need to provide evidence of changes and file a motion in court.

Wisconsin Child Support: Comparative Analysis

To provide a structured overview of child support calculations, refer to the table below, which outlines different scenarios:

Scenario	Factor	Percentage/Amount
One Child	Percent of Income	17%
Two Children	Percent of Income	25%
Three Children	Percent of Income	29%
Shared Custody	Adjusted for Time Share	Varies
Low-Income Guidelines	Reduced Obligation	Varies
Income Imputation	Hypothetical Earnings	Court-determined

Common Questions About Wisconsin Child Support

Can child support be waived?

Generally, child support cannot be permanently waived, as it is viewed as the right of the child. Parents upon mutual agreement may decide to waive or alter temporary support conditions, but the court must approve adjustments to ensure the child's welfare.

How often is child support reviewed?

Typically, child support orders are reviewed every three years to ensure they meet the child’s needs and reflect parents’ financial situations. However, modifications can be requested sooner if there are significant changes.

Do unemployment benefits affect child support?

Yes, unemployment benefits count as income. If a parent experiences job loss, they should contact the child support agency to explore modification options.