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The Kansas Child Support form serves as a crucial tool for determining financial responsibilities in child support cases. This form is rooted in the Kansas Child Support Guidelines, which provide a framework for establishing and reviewing child support orders. The guidelines are designed to ensure that the needs of children are met while balancing the financial capabilities of both parents. Key components of the form include the Child Support Worksheet, which helps calculate the Net Parental Child Support Obligation. This calculation is based on various factors, such as domestic gross income, adjustments for health and child care expenses, and considerations for shared parenting arrangements. The form also outlines specific instructions for income computation, adjustments, and potential deviations from the standard support amounts. By adhering to these guidelines, judges and hearing officers can make informed decisions that reflect the best interests of the child. Understanding the structure and requirements of the Kansas Child Support form is essential for parents navigating this often complex process.

Sample - Kansas Child Support Form

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.

1

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.

5

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.

6

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Form Information

Fact Name Description
Governing Law The Kansas Child Support Guidelines are governed by Kansas Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 260 261, effective April 1, 2012.
Purpose of Guidelines The guidelines serve as the basis for establishing and reviewing child support orders in Kansas, ensuring consistency and fairness in child support determinations.
Child Support Worksheet The Net Parental Child Support Obligation is calculated using a Child Support Worksheet, which is detailed in Appendix I of the guidelines.
Burden of Proof If a party claims that the calculated support amount is unjust, they must provide evidence to support their request for an adjustment.

Detailed Guide for Filling Out Kansas Child Support

Completing the Kansas Child Support form is an essential step in establishing or modifying child support obligations. After filling out the form, it will be submitted to the court for review. The court will use the information provided to determine the appropriate child support amount based on the guidelines.

  1. Obtain the Form: Download or print the Kansas Child Support Worksheet from the official Kansas Judicial Branch website.
  2. Gather Documentation: Collect necessary financial documents, including pay stubs, tax returns, and any other relevant income information.
  3. Fill Out Section A: Input information regarding income for wage earners, including gross income and any deductions.
  4. Complete Section B: If self-employed, provide details about gross income and reasonable business expenses.
  5. Adjust Domestic Gross Income: In Section C, make any necessary adjustments to your gross income based on court-ordered child support or maintenance payments.
  6. Calculate Child Support: In Section D, compute the child support obligation based on the combined income and necessary expenses.
  7. Document Adjustments: If applicable, complete Section E to detail any adjustments for special circumstances, such as long-distance parenting costs.
  8. Review the Form: Double-check all entries for accuracy and completeness. Ensure all calculations are correct.
  9. Sign and Date: Sign and date the form at the designated area to certify that the information provided is true and accurate.
  10. Submit the Form: File the completed form with the appropriate court, along with any required fees or additional documentation.

Obtain Answers on Kansas Child Support

  1. What is the purpose of the Kansas Child Support Guidelines?

    The Kansas Child Support Guidelines provide a structured framework for establishing and reviewing child support orders in the state. They ensure that child support amounts are fair and consistent. Judges and hearing officers use these guidelines to determine appropriate support levels based on the financial circumstances of the parents and the needs of the child.

  2. What is a Child Support Worksheet?

    A Child Support Worksheet is a crucial document used to calculate the Net Parental Child Support Obligation. This worksheet takes into account various factors such as income, expenses, and the number of children involved. Completing this worksheet helps ensure that the child support amount is based on standardized calculations, promoting fairness in support orders.

  3. How is domestic gross income calculated for wage earners?

    For wage earners, domestic gross income is typically calculated by taking the total income earned before any deductions. This includes wages, salaries, bonuses, and any other compensation. It's essential to accurately report this income, as it directly affects the child support calculation.

  4. What should self-employed individuals consider when reporting income?

    Self-employed individuals must report their gross income, which is the total income before expenses. They can also deduct reasonable business expenses from their gross income to arrive at their domestic gross income. It's important to maintain clear records of all income and expenses to ensure an accurate calculation.

  5. What are child support adjustments?

    Child support adjustments are modifications made to the standard child support calculation based on specific circumstances. These can include factors like additional expenses for health care, child care, or extraordinary expenses. If either parent believes that the standard amount does not reflect their financial situation or the child's needs, they can request an adjustment.

  6. What if the standard child support amount seems unjust?

    If a party believes that the standard child support amount calculated on Line D.9 of the worksheet is unjust, they have the right to challenge it. The party seeking the adjustment must provide evidence to support their claim. The court will then consider this evidence and determine if an adjustment is warranted based on the best interest of the child.

  7. Can child support obligations change over time?

    Yes, child support obligations can change if there is a significant change in circumstances. This could include changes in income, employment status, or the needs of the child. If a parent experiences a change that affects their ability to pay or the needs of the child, they can petition the court for a review and potential adjustment of the support order.

  8. What documentation is needed when completing the Child Support Worksheet?

    When completing the Child Support Worksheet, it's important to gather all relevant documentation. This includes proof of income, tax returns, pay stubs, and any records of child-related expenses. Accurate documentation helps ensure that the calculations reflect the true financial situation of both parents.

  9. How are payments for child support made?

    Child support payments can be made through various methods, including direct payments between parents or through state-managed systems. In some cases, employers may be required to withhold child support payments directly from a parent’s paycheck. It’s essential to follow the court's orders regarding payment methods to avoid potential legal issues.

Common mistakes

Filling out the Kansas Child Support form can be a daunting task, and mistakes can lead to delays or complications in the process. One common error is failing to provide accurate income information. It is crucial to report all sources of income, including wages, bonuses, and any self-employment earnings. Incomplete or incorrect income data can result in an inaccurate child support calculation.

Another mistake people often make is neglecting to include necessary documentation. The guidelines require specific documents to support income claims and adjustments. Without these documents, the court may not accept the submitted form, leading to additional delays. Always ensure that you attach the required paperwork to avoid this pitfall.

People sometimes overlook the importance of rounding numbers correctly. The guidelines specify how to round income figures, and failing to follow these instructions can lead to discrepancies in the final calculations. It is essential to pay attention to these details to ensure that the form is filled out accurately.

Additionally, many individuals do not account for all child-related expenses. This includes health care costs, child care expenses, and educational fees. Failing to consider these factors can result in an unfair child support obligation that does not reflect the true costs of raising a child.

Another frequent error is misunderstanding the implications of shared parenting time. If parents share custody, adjustments may need to be made to the child support calculations. Not addressing this aspect can lead to an inappropriate support order that does not consider the time each parent spends with the child.

Some individuals also forget to update their information if their circumstances change. Life events such as job loss, changes in income, or shifts in parenting arrangements can significantly impact child support obligations. Keeping the information current is vital for ensuring that the support amount remains fair and appropriate.

Lastly, many people fail to seek legal advice when filling out the form. Navigating child support can be complex, and having a knowledgeable professional to guide you can help avoid mistakes. Consulting with a lawyer can provide clarity and ensure that all requirements are met, ultimately leading to a smoother process.

Documents used along the form

The Kansas Child Support form is a crucial document in determining the financial responsibilities of parents towards their children. However, it is often accompanied by several other forms and documents that provide additional context, details, or requirements. Understanding these documents can help streamline the child support process and ensure that all necessary information is presented to the court.

  • Child Support Worksheet: This form is used to calculate the child support obligations of each parent based on their income and other relevant factors. It serves as the primary tool for determining the amount of support needed.
  • Domestic Relations Affidavit: This document provides the court with a detailed financial picture of each parent, including income, expenses, and assets. It helps the court assess the financial capabilities of both parties.
  • Interstate Pay Differential: This form addresses situations where one parent lives in a different state than the child. It helps determine how child support obligations may be affected by interstate income disparities.
  • Income Tax Considerations: This document outlines how tax factors, such as exemptions and credits, may influence child support calculations. It is essential for understanding the financial implications of child support on tax liabilities.
  • Equal Parenting Time (EPT) Worksheet: When parents share equal or nearly equal parenting time, this worksheet helps calculate the respective child support obligations based on time spent with the child.
  • Completed Sample Child Support Worksheet: This sample provides a completed version of the child support worksheet, illustrating how to fill it out correctly. It serves as a helpful reference for parents preparing their own forms.
  • Examples and Scenarios for Preparing the Child Support Worksheet: This document offers practical examples and scenarios that guide parents through the process of completing the child support worksheet accurately.
  • Military Pay and Allowances: This form addresses the unique considerations for parents who are active military members, detailing how military income and allowances impact child support calculations.

By familiarizing themselves with these additional forms and documents, parents can better navigate the child support process in Kansas. Each document plays a significant role in ensuring that the child’s best interests are prioritized while also considering the financial realities of both parents.

Similar forms

The Kansas Child Support form shares similarities with several other important documents related to family law and financial responsibilities. Below is a list of five documents that have comparable functions or structures:

  • Child Support Worksheet: This document is integral to calculating child support obligations. Similar to the Kansas Child Support form, it requires detailed income information and adjustments to determine the final amount owed. Both documents aim to ensure that child support is calculated fairly based on the parents' financial situations.
  • Domestic Relations Affidavit: This affidavit collects information about the financial circumstances of both parents. Like the Kansas Child Support form, it plays a crucial role in establishing support obligations by providing a comprehensive view of income, expenses, and other relevant factors.
  • Income Tax Considerations Document: This document outlines how tax implications affect child support calculations. It is similar to the Kansas Child Support form in that both take into account financial factors that can influence the amount of support owed, ensuring that tax considerations are factored into the final calculations.
  • Interstate Pay Differential Form: This form addresses child support issues when parents live in different states. Like the Kansas Child Support form, it provides guidelines for calculating support obligations while considering unique circumstances, such as varying state laws and income levels.
  • Equal Parenting Time Worksheet: This worksheet helps determine child support obligations when parents share equal or nearly equal time with their children. It shares a similar purpose with the Kansas Child Support form, as both documents aim to ensure that support is fairly distributed based on parenting arrangements.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Kansas Child Support form, it’s important to approach the task with care. Here are five things you should and shouldn't do:

  • Do read the guidelines thoroughly before starting. Understanding the requirements will help you avoid mistakes.
  • Do gather all necessary documentation. This includes income statements, tax returns, and any relevant financial records.
  • Do fill out the form completely. Incomplete forms can lead to delays in processing your child support order.
  • Do double-check your calculations. Errors in your financial information can affect the child support amount.
  • Do seek assistance if needed. If you’re unsure about any part of the form, consider consulting a legal professional.
  • Don't ignore deadlines. Submitting your form late can result in complications or penalties.
  • Don't provide false information. Misrepresentation can have serious legal consequences.
  • Don't skip any sections of the form. Each part is important for accurately determining child support obligations.
  • Don't forget to keep copies of everything you submit. Documentation is crucial for your records.
  • Don't hesitate to ask questions. If something is unclear, it’s better to seek clarification than to guess.

Misconceptions

  • Misconception 1: The Kansas Child Support form is only for parents who are divorced.

    • This is not accurate. The form can be used by any parent seeking child support, whether they are married, divorced, or never married. The guidelines apply to all situations where child support is necessary.

  • Misconception 2: Completing the Child Support Worksheet guarantees a specific amount of support.

    • While the worksheet provides a guideline for calculating child support, it does not guarantee a specific amount. The final decision rests with the court, which can adjust the amount based on various factors, including the best interests of the child.

  • Misconception 3: All income is treated the same when calculating child support.

    • This is misleading. Different types of income, such as wages, self-employment earnings, and imputed income, are treated differently. The guidelines provide specific instructions on how to calculate each type of income, ensuring a fair assessment.

  • Misconception 4: Once child support is established, it cannot be changed.

    • This is incorrect. Child support orders can be modified if there is a significant change in circumstances, such as a change in income or parenting time. Parents can petition the court for a review and adjustment of the support amount.

  • Misconception 5: The Child Support form is overly complicated and difficult to understand.

    • While the form may seem complex at first, it is designed to be user-friendly. The guidelines include detailed instructions and examples to help parents navigate the process. With careful attention to the guidelines, most individuals can complete the form accurately.

Key takeaways

The Kansas Child Support form is an essential tool for establishing and reviewing child support orders. Understanding its components is crucial for effective use.

  • Guidelines Purpose: The Kansas Child Support Guidelines serve as the foundation for calculating child support obligations. They are applicable in both contested and agreed-upon cases.
  • Child Support Worksheet: The Child Support Worksheet is a critical document that must be completed to determine the Net Parental Child Support Obligation.
  • Rebuttable Presumption: The amount calculated on Line D.9 of the worksheet represents a rebuttable presumption of what constitutes a reasonable child support order.
  • Burden of Proof: If a party believes the calculated support amount is unjust, they must provide evidence to support their claim for adjustment.
  • Judicial Consideration: Judges and hearing officers are required to follow the guidelines and consider all relevant evidence when setting child support amounts.
  • Section E Completion: If an adjustment is warranted, the court must complete Section E of the worksheet, which serves as the formal findings for any deviations from the presumptive amount.
  • Documentation Requirements: Proper documentation is necessary for accurate income computation and adjustments. This includes proof of income and any court-ordered payments.
  • Multiple Family Situations: Special provisions exist for cases involving multiple families or shared parenting time, which may affect the support calculation.
  • Change of Circumstances: The guidelines allow for modifications based on significant changes in circumstances affecting either parent’s ability to pay or the needs of the child.