It is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the seven assertions that predicate the use of guidelines in every child support case. The primary purpose of these assertions is to ensure that any given child support award is fair and equitable for all involved parties. The Guidelines Apply To All Children Child support guidelines apply to all children regardless of the marital status of their parents at the time of conception or birth. This includes offspring who are biologically related to both parties, as well as legally adopted children. Child Support Is A Priority Financial Obligation Child support is a priority financial obligation that must be paid first, even before other debts. It is not dischargeable in bankruptcy court, and the parent’s unrelated debts are not taken into consideration when calculating the amount of child support to be paid. Child Support Is Separate From Spousal Maintenance Child support and spousal maintenance are two separate forms of financial support for families going through a divorce. Each Parent Has A Legal Duty To Support A Natural Or Adopted Child Although it is a legal requirement for each parent to support natural and legally adopted children, it is voluntary to support any step-children. Sometimes The Custodial Parent Pays Child Support The custodial parent may be required to pay child support in some circumstances. There is no law explicitly requiring the noncustodial parent to solely pay monthly child support. Child Support Is Calculated Monthly Child support is calculated monthly to ensure a consistent and reliable form of financial assistance for the child. The amounts are periodically reviewed, typically on an annual basis, to reflect any changes in income or living situations. This monthly calculation ensures that the child has the same amount of money each month to cover expenses such as food, clothing, education, and other essentials without fear of inconsistent payment or lack of funds. Child Support Is Not Unlimited Child support is not limitless and is instead capped based on parents’ combined adjusted gross income. The Basic Child Support Obligation amount is the maximum amount that must be paid, and this amount is set at $20,000 per month for families with no more than six children. For those with more than six children, their Basic Child Support Obligation will be capped at the sixth child. Although parents are not obligated to pay any more than the BCSO, they may agree on a higher support amount if they wish.