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The Kansas Child Support form serves a crucial role in ensuring that child support obligations are fairly established and reviewed in the state of Kansas. Developed under the Kansas Supreme Court Administrative Order, the guidelines are designed to provide clarity and consistency in the calculation of support payments. A central element of the process involves the Child Support Worksheet, which allows custodial and non-custodial parents to transparently document income and expenses relevant to child support. Various components are addressed within the form, including gross income computations for wage earners and self-employed individuals, as well as necessary deductions for expenses and adjustments applicable to specific situations. The guidelines are structured to accommodate various family structures, ensuring fairness in cases involving multiple families and shared parenting arrangements. Important categories covered range from documentation requirements to specific adjustments for additional costs related to child care and health expenses. Ultimately, the Kansas Child Support form not only supports the financial well-being of children but also aims to facilitate equitable agreements between parents.

Kansas Child Support Example

KANSAS

CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES

Pursuant to Kansas Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 260 261 Amended March 26, 2012

Effective April 1, 2012

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

I.

USE OF THE GUIDELINES

1

II.

DEFINITIONS AND EXPLANATION

2

 

II.A.

Child Support

2

 

II.B.

Child Support Worksheet

2

 

II.C.

Child Support Schedules

2

 

II.D.

Domestic Gross Income - Wage Earner

3

 

II.E.

Income Computation - Self-Employed

4

 

 

II.E.1. Self-Employment Gross Income

4

 

 

II.E.2. Reasonable Business Expenses

4

 

 

II.E.3. Domestic Gross Income - Self-Employed

4

 

II.F.

Imputed Income

4

 

II.G.

Child Support Income

5

 

II.H.

Child Support Adjustments

5

III.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

5

 

III.A.

Documentation

5

 

III.B.

Applications

6

 

 

III.B.1. Rounding

6

 

 

III.B.2. Age

6

 

 

III.B.3. Income Beyond the Child Support Schedule

6

 

 

III.B.4. More than Six Children

6

 

 

III.B.5. Divided Residency Situations

7

 

 

III.B.6. Multiple-Family Application

7

 

 

III.B.7. Sharing Equal or Nearly Equal Time and Expenses

8

 

 

III.B.8. Residence with a Third Party

12

 

 

III.B.9. Interstate Pay Differential

12

 

 

III.B.10. Birth Expenses

13

IV.

SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE WORKSHEET

13

 

IV.A.

Income Computation - Wage Earner (Section A)

13

 

IV.B.

Income Computation - Self-Employed (Section B)

13

 

IV.C.

Adjustments to Domestic Gross Income (Section C)

13

 

 

IV.C 1.

Domestic Gross Income (Line C.1)

14

 

 

IV.C 2.

Court-Ordered Child Support Paid (Line C.2)

14

 

 

IV.C 3.

Court-Ordered Maintenance Paid (Line C.3)

14

 

 

IV.C 4.

Court-Ordered Maintenance Received (Line C.4)

14

 

 

IV.C 5.

Child Support Income (Line C.5)

14

 

IV.D.

Computation of Child Support (Section D)

14

 

 

IV.D.1. Child Support Income (Line D.1)

14

 

 

IV.D.2. Proportionate Shares of Combined Income (Line D.2)

15

 

 

 

I

 

 

IV.D.3. Gross Child Support Obligation (Line D.3)

15

 

IV.D.4. Health, Dental, Orthodontic, and Optometric Expenses (Line D.4)

 

......................................................................................................

15

 

IV.D.5. Work-Related Child Care Costs (Line D.5)

16

 

IV.D.6. Parents’ Total Child Support Obligation (Line D.6)

17

 

IV.D.7. Parental Child Support Obligation (Line D.7)

17

 

IV.D.8. Adjustment for Health, Dental, Orthodontic, and Optometric

 

 

Premiums and Work-Related Child Care Costs (Line D.8)

17

 

IV.D.9. Basic Parental Child Support Obligation (Line D.9)

18

 

IV.E. Child Support Adjustments (Section E)

18

 

IV.E.1. Long-Distance Parenting Time Costs (Line E.1)

18

 

IV.E.2. Parenting Time Adjustment (Line E.2)

18

 

IV.E.3. Income Tax Considerations (Line E.3)

20

 

IV.E.4. Special Needs or Extraordinary Expenses (Line E.4)

20

 

IV.E.5. Support of Children Beyond the Age of Majority (Line E.5)

21

 

IV.E.6. Overall Financial Conditions of the Parties (Line E.6)

21

 

IV.E.7. Total (Line E.7)

22

 

IV.F. Deviation(s) From Rebuttable Presumption Amount (Section F)

22

 

IV.F.1. Basic Parental Child Support Obligation (Line F.1)

22

 

IV.F.2. Total Child Support Adjustments (Line F.2)

22

 

IV.F.3. Adjusted Subtotal (Line F.3)

22

 

IV.F.4. Equal Parenting Time Obligation

22

 

IV.F.4. IVF.5. Enforcement Fee Allowance (Line F.4 F.5)

22

 

IV.F.5. IV.F.6 Net Parental Child Support Obligation (Line F.5 F.6)

23

 

IV.G. Payment of Child Support

23

V.

CHANGE OF CIRCUMSTANCES

24

VI.

REVIEW OF GUIDELINES

25

ENDNOTES

26

APPENDIX I

31

 

Child Support Worksheet

31

APPENDIX II

33

 

Child Support Schedules

33

APPENDIX III

45

 

Domestic Relations Affidavit

45

APPENDIX IV

54

 

Interstate Pay Differential

54

APPENDIX V

60

 

Income Tax Considerations

60

 

Section A - Dependent’s Exemption And Child Tax Credit

60

 

Section B – Head of Household Adjustment

61

 

II

 

Section C – Additional Information

62

Federal Income Tax Factors

63

Kansas Income Tax Factors

64

APPENDIX VI

66

Cafeteria Plans and Salary Reduction Agreements

66

APPENDIX VII

67

Completed Sample Child Support Worksheet

67

Completed Sample Child Support Worksheet

69

Equal Parenting Time (EPT) Worksheet

71

APPENDIX VIII

72

Examples and Scenarios for Preparing the Child Support Worksheet

72

EXAMPLE 1. Section IV. Specific Instructions for the Worksheet

72

EXAMPLE 2. Section III. General Instructions

77

APPENDIX IX

79

Military Pay and Allowances

79

APPENDIX X

82

Example Plans for Sharing Direct Expenses Under III.B.7

82

APPENDIX XI

85

Shared Expense Formula Example

85

Equal Parenting Time (EPT) Worksheet (Sample)

87

Equal Parenting Time (EPT) Worksheet

88

TOPIC INDEX

89

III

KANSAS CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES

Pursuant to Kansas Supreme Court Administrative Order 260 261

Effective April 1, 2012

I.USE OF THE GUIDELINES

The Kansas Child Support Guidelines are the basis for establishing and reviewing child support orders in Kansas, including cases settled by agreement of the parties. Judges and hearing officers must follow the guidelines and the court shall consider all relevant evidence presented in setting an amount of child support.

The Net Parental Child Support Obligation is calculated by completing a Child Support Worksheet (Appendix I).

The calculation of the respective parental child support obligations on Line D.9 of the worksheet is a rebuttable presumption of a reasonable child support order. If a party alleges that the Line D.9 support amount is unjust or inappropriate in a particular case, the party seeking the adjustment has the burden of proof to show that an adjustment should apply. If the court finds from relevant evidence that it is in the best interest of the child to make an adjustment, the court shall complete Section E of the Child Support Worksheet. The completion of Section E of the worksheet shall constitute the written findings for deviating from the rebuttable presumption.

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II.DEFINITIONS AND EXPLANATION II.A. Child Support

The purpose of child support is to provide for the needs of the child. The needs of the child are not limited to direct expenses for food, clothing, school, and entertainment. Child support is also to be used to provide for housing, utilities, transportation, and other indirect expenses related to the day-to-day care and well-being of the child.

II.B. Child Support Worksheet

The worksheet should contain the actual calculation of the child support based on Child Support Income, Work-Related Child Care Costs, Health, Dental, Orthodontic, and Optometric Insurance Premiums, and any Child Support Adjustments. (See Section IV, Specific Instructions for the Worksheet and Appendix VII for a completed sample worksheet.)

II.C. Child Support Schedules

The Child Support Schedules (Appendix II) are adopted by the Kansas Supreme Court based on the recommendation of the Kansas Child Support Guidelines Advisory Committee.1 The schedules are based upon national data regarding average family expenditures for children, which vary depending upon three major factors: the parents’ combined income, the number of children in the family, and the ages of the children.2 The schedules are derived from an economic model initially developed in 1987 by Dr. William Terrell.3 In the fall of 1989, Dr. Ann Coulson updated the schedules,4 which were then modified downward at lower income levels in 1990 at the Court’s request, and adjusted for current economic data in 1993.5 Dr. William Terrell reviewed various studies and foundation data in 1998 and 2002. These reviews led to updated schedule proposals; however, no changes were made in 1998. His more recent statistical analyses and attendant schedule changes provide the basis for the committee’s recommendations that were adopted by the Court in 2003.6 Dr. Jodi Messer-Pelkowski worked with Dr. Terrell during the review period which led to the adoption of Kansas Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 180 effective January 1, 2004, and took over Dr. Terrell’s work during 2005.7 Her analysis of economic data in spending on children served as the basis for the committee recommendations in 2007 and in 2011.

2

The schedules take into consideration that income deductions for social security, federal retirement, and federal and state income taxes, as well as property taxes on owner-occupied housing, are not available to the family for spending.8 Thus, although the schedules use combined gross monthly income as an index that identifies values in the child support schedules, the entries in the schedules used to calculate the actual child support obligation are based upon either consumption spending9 or after-tax income, whichever is lower. The schedules also include a built-in reduction from average expenditures per child (the dissolution burden), because of the financial impact on the family of maintaining two households instead of one.10

II.D. Domestic Gross Income - Wage Earner

The Domestic Gross Income for the wage earner is income from all sources, including that which is regularly or periodically received, excluding public assistance and child support received for other children in the residency of either parent. For purposes of these guidelines, the term “public assistance” means all income, whether in cash or in-kind, which is received from public sources and for which the recipient is eligible on the basis of financial need. It includes, but is not limited to, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Earned Income Credit (EIC), food stamps, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), General Assistance (GA), Medicaid, Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), Section 8, and other forms of public housing assistance.

It may be necessary for the court to consider historical information and the seasonal nature of employment. For example, if overtime is regularly earned by one of the parties, then a historical average of one year should be considered.

In instances where one or both of the parties is employed by a branch of the armed forces or is called to active duty by a branch of the armed forces, then the court shall include the basic pay of the party plus Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS). The court may consider cost of living differences in determining the Domestic Gross Income. Depending upon the facts of the case, the court may consider the BAH II Incentive or Special Pays and other forms of pay as found in Appendix IX.

Frequently, a wage earner’s income is adjusted for a salary reduction arrangement for qualified benefits offered under a cafeteria plan (see Appendix VI). In such cases, the use of gross wages (total income before

3

any salary reduction amounts) results in the simplest and fairest application of the guidelines. Therefore, the gross income of the wage earner, regardless of whether it is taxable or nontaxable, is to be used to compute child support payments.

II.E. Income Computation - Self-Employed

II.E.1. Self-Employment Gross Income

Self-Employment Gross Income is income from self-employment and all other income including that which is regularly and periodically received from any source excluding public assistance and child support received for other children in the residency of either parent.

II.E.2. Reasonable Business Expenses

In cases of self-employed persons, Reasonable Business Expenses are those actual expenditures reasonably necessary for the production of income. Depreciation shall be included only if it is shown that it is reasonably necessary for the production of income. Reasonable Business Expenses shall include the additional self-employment tax paid over and above the FICA rate.

II.E.3. Domestic Gross Income - Self-Employed

Domestic Gross Income for self-employed persons is self-employment gross income less Reasonable Business Expenses.

II.F. Imputed Income

II.F.1. Income may be imputed to the parent not having primary residency11 in appropriate circumstances, including the following:

II.F.1.a. Absent substantial justification, it should be assumed that a parent is able to earn at least the federal minimum wage and to work 40 hours per week. Incarceration does not constitute substantial justification.

II.F.1.b. When a parent is deliberately unemployed, although capable of working full-time, employment potential and probable earnings may be based on the parent’s recent work history, occupational skills, and the prevailing job opportunities in the community.

4

II.F.1.c. If a parent is terminated from employment for misconduct, rather than laid off, their previous wage may be imputed, but shall not be less than federal minimum wage.

II.F.1.d. When a parent receives significant in-kind payment that reduces personal living expenses as a result of employment, such as a company car, free housing, or reimbursed meals, the value of such reimbursement should be added to gross income.

II.F.1.e. When there is evidence that a parent is deliberately underemployed for the purpose of avoiding child support, the court may evaluate the circumstances to determine whether actual or potential earnings should be used.

II.F.2. Income may be imputed to the parent having primary residency in appropriate circumstances, but should not result in a higher support obligation for the other parent.

II.G. Child Support Income

Child Support Income is the Domestic Gross Income after adjustments for child support paid in other cases and for maintenance paid or received in the present case or other cases. (See Section IV, Specific Instructions for the Worksheet, Subsection D.1 and Appendix VII for a sample worksheet.)

II.H. Child Support Adjustments

Child Support Adjustments are considerations of additions or subtractions from the Net Parental Child Support Obligation to be made if in the best interests of the child. (See Section IV, Specific Instructions for the Worksheet, Subsection E.)

III.GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

III.A. Documentation

The party requesting a child support order or modification shall present to the court a completed worksheet, together with a completed Domestic Relations Affidavit (Appendix III). This information shall assist the court in confirming or adjusting the various amounts entered on the worksheet.

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The information required shall be attached to the application for support or motion to modify support.

A worksheet approved by the court shall be filed in every case where an order of child support is entered.

III.B. Applications

III.B.1. Rounding

Calculations should be rounded to the nearest tenth for percentages.

Calculations should be rounded to the nearest dollar in all instances.

In using the Child Support Schedules for income amounts not shown, it may be necessary to round to the nearest basic child support obligation amounts.

III.B.2. Age

In determining the age of a child, use the age on the child’s nearest birthday.

III.B.3. Income Beyond the Child Support Schedule

If the Combined Child Support Income exceeds the highest amount shown on the schedules, the court should exercise its discretion by considering what amount of child support should be set in addition to the highest amount on the Child Support Schedule. For the convenience of the parties, a formula is contained at the end of each child support schedule to compute the amount that is not set forth on the schedules (see Appendix VIII, Example 2).

III.B.4. More than Six Children

If the parties share legal responsibility for more than six children, support should be based upon the established needs of the children and be greater than the amount of child support on the Six Child Families’ Schedule.

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File Breakdown

Fact Name Description
Governing Law The Kansas Child Support Guidelines are established under the Kansas Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 260 261, effective April 1, 2012.
Documentation Requirement Applicants must provide the necessary documentation to support income calculations and other relevant financial information.
Child Support Worksheet The Child Support Worksheet, found in Appendix I, is essential for calculating the Net Parental Child Support Obligation.
Rebuttable Presumption The amount calculated for parental child support on Line D.9 of the worksheet serves as a rebuttable presumption in court.
General Instructions Section III of the guidelines provides general instructions pertinent to applications, rounding, and special circumstances related to child support calculations.
Adjustment Burden of Proof If a party believes the calculated amount is unjust, they must demonstrate the need for an adjustment to the court.
Health and Childcare Costs The guidelines consider additional costs such as health, dental, and work-related childcare expenses in the overall calculation of child support obligations.

Guide to Using Kansas Child Support

Filling out the Kansas Child Support form is a straightforward process that you can manage with careful attention to detail. Each section of the form requires specific information related to income, expenses, and the needs of the child involved. It’s important to ensure that all data is accurate and complete, as this can significantly impact the outcomes related to child support obligations.

  1. Obtain the Kansas Child Support Worksheet from the appropriate source, such as the Kansas judicial website or your local court office.
  2. Review the guidelines provided to understand the information required.
  3. Begin with Section A, where you will need to provide details about income as a wage earner, including all earnings and any additional income streams.
  4. In Section B, if self-employed, report your gross income and outline any reasonable business expenses.
  5. Proceed to Section C to detail any adjustments to your domestic gross income, such as court-ordered support paid or received.
  6. In Section D, compute the child support based on the income reported. Make sure to include health-related expenses and any child care costs.
  7. For any necessary adjustments that may affect your obligations, fill out Section E, noting any special circumstances that should be considered.
  8. Complete Section F to indicate any deviations from the calculated child support amount, if applicable.
  9. Once all sections are completed, review the entire form for accuracy and clarity. Ensure that all calculations are correct.
  10. Sign and date the form in the designated area before submitting it to the court.

Get Answers on Kansas Child Support

What is the Kansas Child Support form used for?

The Kansas Child Support form is utilized to establish and review child support orders in the state of Kansas. This form is based on the Kansas Child Support Guidelines, which provide a structured approach for calculating the financial obligations of parents towards their children. By completing the Child Support Worksheet included in the form, parties can arrive at a fair assessment of child support payments based on income, expenses, and other relevant factors.

Who needs to fill out the Child Support Worksheet?

Any party involved in a child support case in Kansas is required to fill out the Child Support Worksheet. This includes parents seeking to establish a new child support order, as well as those seeking modifications to existing orders. The worksheet provides necessary information about income, deductions, and adjustments that assist the court in determining the appropriate child support obligation. Both parents should complete a worksheet to ensure all income sources are accounted for.

What information is required on the Child Support Worksheet?

The Child Support Worksheet requires detailed information regarding:

  • Domestic gross income for each parent, which may include wages, bonuses, and other forms of compensation.
  • Adjustments to income, such as court-ordered child support or maintenance already being paid.
  • Health, dental, orthodontic, and work-related child care costs incurred for the child.
  • Any specific child support adjustments that may apply, like long-distance travel costs or extraordinary expenses for the child.

Inaccurate or incomplete information on the worksheet may lead to improper calculations and undesired outcomes in child support orders.

How do the Kansas Child Support Guidelines affect the outcome of support orders?

The Kansas Child Support Guidelines are designed to create a fair and consistent method for determining child support obligations. They serve as a rebuttable presumption, meaning the calculated amount on the Child Support Worksheet represents what is considered a reasonable standard. If a party believes that the calculated amount is unjust, they must provide evidence to the court justifying an adjustment. The court will then evaluate that evidence and make a decision that might lead to a modified child support order, always keeping the best interests of the child in mind.

Can child support amounts be modified after they are established?

Yes, child support amounts can be modified if there is a significant change in circumstances. Such changes may include a substantial alteration in income for either parent, changes in the needs of the child, or changes in living arrangements. Parties must fill out a new Child Support Worksheet to illustrate the circumstances prompting the modification request. The court will review the submitted information and relevant evidence to determine whether an adjustment to the child support obligation is warranted.

Common mistakes

Completing the Kansas Child Support form accurately is crucial, yet many individuals make mistakes that can affect both the process and outcome. Here are nine common errors.

The first mistake is failing to provide complete documentation. Individuals must submit all required financial documents, such as pay stubs, tax returns, and other relevant income information. Incomplete documentation can delay the processing of the form and may result in inaccurate child support calculations.

Another error involves misreporting income. Some people underestimate or overestimate their earnings. This inaccuracy can stem from confusion regarding how to report self-employment income or deductions. It is essential to follow the specific instructions for income computation to ensure the figures reflect reality.

Rounding numbers incorrectly is also a frequent mistake. The guideline requires specific rounding rules that must be adhered to. Failure to round correctly could lead to discrepancies in the final child support obligation, making it crucial to double-check these calculations.

Individuals may also overlook adjustments related to existing child support or maintenance orders. Failing to account for court-ordered payments already being made can significantly affect the calculated obligation. It is important to include these adjustments to provide a complete financial picture.

Misunderstanding the definitions of residency situations can complicate matters. For instance, terms like “divided residency” have specific meanings under the guidelines. Confusion may lead to incorrect inputs on the forms, impacting the calculations of shares and obligations.

Another significant mistake involves neglecting to address multiple-family situations. If a party has children from different relationships, they need to understand how this affects child support calculations. Ignoring this aspect can lead to an unfair distribution of financial responsibility.

Many people fail to articulate special needs or extraordinary expenses. If applicable, these should be documented and included in the child support worksheet. This omission may undervalue the expenses the child requires, possibly resulting in inadequate support.

Moreover, some individuals do not provide information regarding long-distance parenting time costs. Overlooking these costs can create misunderstandings regarding the support obligation that may arise due to travel or accommodation needs.

Lastly, a lack of clarity about income tax considerations can create confusion. Some individuals mistakenly assume certain elements of their income will be automatically considered for child support. Clear, detailed reporting according to the guidelines is essential to avoid unintended errors.

Awareness of these common mistakes can aid in accurately completing the Kansas Child Support form. Taking care to verify all entries and understanding the guidelines can foster a smoother process for all parties involved.

Documents used along the form

When managing a child support case in Kansas, several forms and documents accompany the primary Child Support form. Each of these documents serves a specific purpose and is essential for the accurate and fair determination of child support obligations.

  • Child Support Worksheet: This is a detailed form used to calculate the parental child support obligation. It incorporates various types of income and expenses to arrive at a fair support amount. The completed worksheet provides a presumption of the reasonable support order.
  • Domestic Relations Affidavit: This form provides essential financial information about each parent, including income, expenses, and assets. It helps the court understand the financial circumstances of both parties when determining child support.
  • Equal Parenting Time (EPT) Worksheet: Used when parents share custody or parenting time equally, this worksheet helps calculate the financial responsibilities of each parent concerning shared parenting arrangements.
  • Child Support Guidelines Schedules: These schedules provide a framework for calculating child support amounts based on the combined income of both parents and the number of children involved. They serve as a reference for standard payments.
  • Income Tax Considerations Document: This document outlines how tax implications affect child support calculations, including how tax exemptions and credits related to children are distributed between parents.
  • Interstate Pay Differential Form: If one parent resides in another state, this form helps assess any income differences that could impact child support calculations, ensuring fair support obligations across state lines.
  • Examples and Scenarios Document: This supplemental guide includes practical scenarios to demonstrate the application of child support guidelines and forms. It assists parents in understanding how different situations may affect calculations.
  • Military Pay and Allowances Document: Specifically for military families, this document outlines how military income and benefits are considered in child support calculations, as service members may have different earning structures.
  • Completed Child Support Worksheet Samples: Samples provide examples of correctly filled worksheets, helping parties understand how to accurately report income, expenses, and arrive at a reasonable child support figure.

Each of these documents plays a pivotal role in the child support process. Having a clear understanding of their purposes can help all parties better navigate the requirements of establishing, modifying, or enforcing child support orders in Kansas.

Similar forms

The Kansas Child Support form serves as a critical document in determining child support obligations. Similar forms in various states and contexts share similar functions, helping establish and calculate obligations and rights regarding child support. Below is a list of six documents comparable to the Kansas Child Support form:

  • California Child Support Guideline: Like the Kansas form, this document provides a structured framework for calculating child support based on parents' incomes, expenses, and other factors. Both use formulas to guide judges and parties in determining appropriate support amounts.
  • Texas Child Support Worksheet: This worksheet outlines the methods for calculating child support in Texas. Similar to the Kansas Child Support form, it requires detailed financial information and considers various expenses, including child care and health costs.
  • New York Child Support Standards Act: This act includes guidelines that help determine child support obligations using parents' incomes and the needs of the children. It functions similarly to the Kansas guidelines by establishing a presumed fair amount for support.
  • Florida Child Support Guidelines: This document serves as a guide for calculating child support in Florida. It also factors in both parents’ net incomes and encourages the consideration of additional expenses, paralleling the Kansas approach.
  • Illinois Child Support Order Calculation: Illinois provides a similar calculation order that determines child support based on parents' incomes, parenting time, and specific financial obligations, much like the detailed instructions found in the Kansas form.
  • Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines: This document outlines how child support should be calculated, focusing on the incomes of both parents and the number of children. It shares a similar basic philosophy with the Kansas Child Support form regarding fairness and the best interests of the child.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Kansas Child Support form, there are several important actions to consider. Here are nine guidelines to follow, including both things you should do and things you should avoid.

  • DO gather all necessary documents, such as pay stubs and tax returns, before starting the form.
  • DO fill out the Child Support Worksheet accurately, as this is crucial for determining obligations.
  • DO check for any specific instructions related to your situation, especially if there are adjustments needed for multiple children.
  • DO ensure all income sources are included, including any self-employment earnings.
  • DO be honest about financial circumstances to avoid complications or penalties later.
  • DON'T ignore the deadlines for submission; timely filing is essential.
  • DON'T forget to review the information for accuracy before submitting the form, as errors can lead to delays.
  • DON'T make assumptions about income; calculations should be based on actual figures listed.
  • DON'T neglect to keep copies of all submitted documents for your records.

Misconceptions

Misconceptions surrounding the Kansas Child Support form can lead to confusion and incorrect assumptions about the process. Here are five common misconceptions:

  • Child Support is Automatically Adjusted Over Time. Many people believe that child support orders change automatically with changes in income or circumstances. In reality, modifications must be formally requested and approved by the court.
  • The Child Support Worksheet is Optional. Some individuals think that they can bypass the Child Support Worksheet. However, completing this worksheet is a fundamental requirement in establishing or reviewing a child support order in Kansas.
  • Only the Non-Custodial Parent Pays Child Support. There is a misconception that child support is only the financial responsibility of the non-custodial parent. In some cases, custody arrangements and financial responsibilities can shift, requiring the custodial parent to contribute as well.
  • All Income is Treated the Same for Child Support Purposes. Not all income sources are treated equally in calculations. The guidelines differentiate between various types of income, such as wages and self-employment income, leading to different calculations for support obligations.
  • Child Support Covers All Expenses for the Child. Some parents believe that child support payments cover all educational, medical, and extracurricular expenses. This is not entirely accurate. Child support specifically addresses basic living expenses, while other costs may require additional agreements.

Key takeaways

Key Takeaways for Using the Kansas Child Support Form

  • The Kansas Child Support Guidelines help determine and review child support payments. Judges follow these guidelines closely.
  • To establish the child support obligation, you need to complete the Child Support Worksheet, found in Appendix I.
  • The calculated amount on Line D.9 of the worksheet acts as a standard presumption of a reasonable support order.
  • If you believe this amount is not suitable, you must provide evidence to justify your requested adjustment.
  • Section E of the worksheet is where adjustments are documented. This section contains the court's findings for any deviations from the standard amount.
  • Always keep in mind the best interest of the child when completing the form and presenting your case.