The court may award a different amount than set forth in the guidelines. However, if so, the court must state the reasons why the guidelines were not followed and why it would be inequitable to follow the guidelines in that particular case. In calculating the child support obligation, a Parent's Worksheet for Child Support Amount must be completed. In addition, the court typically requires an Affidavit of Financial Information to be filled out as well. The child support guidelines are based on the gross income of the parties.
Gross income includes money received from anywhere except public assistance.
If a party is self-employed, then necessary expenses may be deducted from the gross income. If an employee receives certain reimbursements or benefits in his or her employment, the court may consider these as income as well. When a parent is unemployed or working below full earning capacity, the court may consider the reasons. If the court finds that the income is reduced as a matter of choice, then the court may disregard the reduction in setting gross income. When determining gross income, the court may deduct prior ordered spousal maintenance and child support actually paid and the cost of any court-ordered medical insurance coverage for the children.