High Income Support Cases

In most child and spousal support cases, a set formula is applied which takes into account both parties’ incomes, the number of children they have (if applicable), and in some cases, mortgage, health insurance, and certain other expenses. Generally speaking, unless a party has an extraordinary expense beyond the usual expenses one would normally be expected to incur, such as high medical bills, the amount that is determined by inputting the appropriate numbers into the formula will be the amount of support that is awarded.

In support cases in which the parties’ combined net incomes exceed $30,000 on a monthly basis, while a formula exists for calculating support, Domestic Relations and the Court are also required to take additional factors into consideration when determining a support amount. In these cases, they are required to analyze the parties’ respective Expense Statements that the parties must submit; any deviation factors that are present in the case (such as the parties’ standard of living, the duration of marriage, other household income, medical expenses not covered by insurance, etc.); and certain additional expenses (such as childcare or health insurance costs). In making a decision, the Court must discuss the children’s reasonable needs (for child support cases), and the reason for any deviations from the support formula.

Though the Court must consider these additional factors, there is still a minimum obligation set forth in statute for high income cases, and the appropriate support amount is generally presumed not to be less than that amount. The minimum support amount is based off of a combined income of $30,000. This means, for example, that in a case where the combined income of the parties was $50,000 per month, the Court would be unlikely to calculate a support amount that was less than what would be calculated if the parties’ combined incomes were lowered to $30,000.

If you are interested in learning more about your individual support matter, contact Tanner Law Offices at (717) 731-8114 to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys.