Opinion ID: 1591759
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: whether the trial judge abused his discretion when he deviated from the statutory guidelines in setting child support.

Text: This Court will not disturb an award of child support unless it clearly appears the trial court abused its discretion. Donohue v. Getman, 432 N.W.2d 281, 282 (S.D.1988). SDCL 25-7-6.10 sets forth the factors which must be considered before a judge can deviate from the child support schedule established by the South Dakota legislature. This Court has held deviation may be made from the guidelines only if specific findings are made to justify the deviation. Sharp v. Sharp, 422 N.W.2d 443 (S.D.1988). The trial court made 20 findings of fact. It determined that Peggy incurs $225.25 baby-sitting charges per month, the parties divided marital property evenly, Peggy has monthly expenses (including children's expenses) of $1300 per month, and Dale has monthly living expenses of less than $600. The trial court also found Dale earns nearly three times as much as Peggy and has a greater earning capacity. The trial court considered all the relevant statutory factors and determined they justified a deviation from the child support schedule. In light of equal division of the marital property and the relative incomes and expenses of the parties, a judicial mind could have determined a deviation from the guidelines was justified. The trial court did not abuse its discretion in deviating from the guidelines.