The new statutes also provide a four-step process for resolving parenting issues and disputes. Montana has guidelines to determine child support based upon the total income of both parents. Daycare, insurance, and medical costs are included in the computation. The guidelines allocate the amounts to be paid by each parent, taking into account financial resources of the parents and children, the children's needs, and the standard of living the children would have enjoyed had the parents stayed married. Child support continues until a child is emancipated or graduates from high school, but no later than the child's 19th birthday, unless the parties agree, or the court orders otherwise.
Some parents agree to continue child support through college.
Child support may be raised or lowered in the event of a change in financial circumstances or needs. Some parents agree to review support periodically. In some instances, child support may be determined in an administrative proceeding. Montana law requires that all divorce decrees address health insurance coverage for the children. Child support must be paid automatically from a parent's wages, unless good cause exists to waive automatic deductions.