Opinion ID: 2636236
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 10

Heading: The modified Wright formula

Text: The first step is the same as the Wright formula: the court calculates the amount of child support each parent must pay pursuant to NRS 125B.070, including any adjustments supported by specific findings of fact. [38] Second, the court should determine the percentage of time each parent spends with the child. Third, the court should determine the difference between those amounts of time. Fourth, the court multiplies each parent's calculated child support by the time difference. Fifth, the court subtracts this adjusted child support amount from the parent who has the child more of the time and adds the adjusted amount to the parent who has the child less of the time. Sixth, the court subtracts the smaller number from the larger, and the parent that owes the larger amount of child support pays that amount to the other parent. Seventh, the court applies any applicable statutory caps. [39] This modified Wright formula accounts for the differences in both income and the financial consequences of caring for the child. The formula works equally well if the parents' incomes are equivalent but the timeshare is unequal. In such a case, the formula adjusts only for the discrepancy in time spent caring for the child. Also, the formula furthers the best interest of the child by equalizing the standard of living between the parents. The existing statutory formulas, in conjunction with the Wright formula and the modified Wright formula, detailed above, provide flexibility for calculating child support. In joint physical custody arrangements, each parent bears expenses that do not necessarily diminish or increase proportionally with the amount of time they spend with the child, [40] including rent, health care, and vehicle maintenance. [41] Thus, when applying the modified Wright formula, courts should exercise considerable caution before reducing the formula amounts. [42] Courts can exercise such caution by utilizing the statutory factors in conjunction with the Wright formulas to increase or decrease support as necessary in particular situations. [43]