Opinion ID: 898914
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Total all amounts determined under subdivision e.

Text: Nothing in the plain language of the rule restricts the downward deviation for extended visitation to the months in which the visitation occurs. On the contrary, the rule’s use of the “three hundred sixty-five” figure in calculating the child support obligation reflects that the entire year is to be considered. Under the plain language of N.D. Admin. Code § 75-02-04.1-08.1, the downward deviation should have been credited to Pember for the entire year. [¶32] The summary of comments at the public hearings on the amendments to Chapter 75-02-04.1 of the North Dakota Administrative Code is consistent with our plain language interpretation. Regarding section 75-02-04.1-08.1, the summary states, “The proposed new section actually operates to reduce the child support obligation for periods of time the child spends with the obligor. The reduction appears smaller because it is in effect the entire year , rather than just during the time the visitation is occurring.” Summary of Comments Received in Regard to Proposed Amendments to N.D. Admin. Code Ch. 75-02-04.1 Child Support Guidelines at 37 (emphasis added). The district court departed from the child support guidelines by limiting the downward deviation in Pember’s support obligation to the months of actual visitation. This departure was incorrect as a matter of law, and we reverse and remand to the district court to recalculate Pember’s downward deviation for the entire year, consistent with N.D. Admin. Code § 75-02-04.1-08.1.