Support

Support is generally broken down into both child support and spousal support. Certain elements, however, are common. Those common elements are income or income substitutes. An example of an income substitute is the ability of a spouse to earn money that may be different from the amount of earnings from employment as demonstrated by that spouse. Income from assets (stock, bonds or savings) or lack of income from assets (equity in a residence) are also factors that must be considered in determining appropriate levels of support. Computerized support programs also factor in, as required by statute, the amount of time each of the parents is responsible for a child and the tax factors that relate to the parents income and assets.