What is the formula for calculating child support in many jurisdictions?

The calculation of child support often relies on state-specific guidelines that typically factor in the income of the non-custodial parent rather than outcomes based solely on negotiations or the custodial parent's income. The rationale for focusing on the non-custodial parent's income is that this parent typically has the capacity to provide financial support directly to the child and is expected to contribute to the child's expenses, such as housing, food, and education.

Many jurisdictions utilize a formula that sets child support obligations as a percentage of the non-custodial parent's gross income, taking into consideration factors such as the number of children involved, the needs of the children, and other obligations the non-custodial parent may have. This structured approach aims to ensure that child support is fair, consistent, and meets the needs of the child, while also providing a predictable framework for parents.