The Basics of Wisconsin Child Support Laws, Calculators and Payments
The Wisconsin child support is based on DCF 150 or the Child Support Percentage of Income Standard, renumbered from DWD 40 in November 2008, which coincided with the Wisconsin child support program’s move into a new agency, the Department of Children and Families. This legislation mandates a certain standard to be used in determining child support obligations, based on a percentage of the gross income and assets of either or both parents. This standard is established under the premise that a child’s way of living should not be unfavorably affected by his parents’ separation. It determines the minimum amount that each parent should give for child support, with the assumption that the basic needs of the child are met. There are a lot of provisions in the Wisconsin child support legislation DCF 150, but in general, it dictates that child support should be based on the parent’s gross income, the time a child spends with each parent, and whether or not a parent is supporting other children. Gross income refers to the income and earnings from all possible sources, taxable or non-taxable, including wages, salaries, tips, capital gains, commissions and bonuses, personal injury awards, unemployment insurance, military allowances, etc. It can be in the form of money, services or property. The percentage of the parents’ gross monthly income available for child support shall be 17% for one child, 25% for 2 children, 29% for 3 children, 31% for 4 children, and 34% for 5 children or more. These figures are not constant, however, as there are other factors affecting the amount of child support awarded, such as the current physical and mental health of the parents, the education, training and past earnings of the parents, as well as the local job openings.
Wisconsin Child Support Calculator As mentioned, certain Wisconsin child support calculators are available online, primarily for informational and educational purposes, based on the guidelines in DCF 150. The number that shows up after input of the number of children, the gross monthly income of the parents, and the time spent with each parent serve as an estimate only and is not an assurance of the exact amount to be awarded. In the end, it is the court that has the final authority in determination of child support.
Wisconsin Child Support Agencies, Courts, Trust Fund The Wisconsin Child Support Program is actually a combined effort of child support agencies, Wisconsin courts, the Wisconsin Support Collection Trust Fund, and the Bureau of Child Support. The child support agencies offer direct case management services, employing child support lawyers for their legal services. The courts, on the other hand, play a role in conducting hearings and issuing and modifying child support orders, and in imposing civil and criminal enforcement remedies. The Wisconsin Support Collections Trust Fund is in charge of processing payments and collections for child support. Lastly, the Bureau of Child Support provides technical support to the numerous child support agencies. It directs and supervises the Wisconsin Child Support Program.