I have a two week old daughter. How much child support will I be paying?

Question

I live in Iowa and recently had a beautiful baby girl and I was just kinda curious just how much child support I need to pay my baby's momma? I spent about $500 on baby stuff and can't wait to see her....but I'm working for nothing but my daughter..

Answer 1

It's great that you're asking how much you need to pay instead of how much you HAVE to pay. I'm not sure what the regulations are in Iowa, (I live in TX) but you could call the Attorney General and find out. My husband has 3 kids by his ex and he pays 985 a month which comes to 328.33 per child. Since you didn't say anything about court, I'm assuming you and the child's mother are being amicable about it, which is the best thing. But you still need to keep all your receipts from anything you buy for your baby, and give the mother a money order or write a check so you'll have a record. I would try to give her at least 300 a month. All of it doesn't have to be cash--diapers, wipes, formula, clothes, etc count towards that, too, as long as it's for the baby. If you go to court, the judge can order any amount as long as it's not more than 50% of your check. The courts take into consideration how many other of your biological children you pay child support for or are living with you, if the mother is working or not and her gross monthly income, and the amount you pay in rent The best bet is to get a court order, so that way the mother can't deny you visitation or demand a "ransom"-pay this or don't see her-and there's a set amount. Not saying your baby's mom is like that, but it will protect you and your rights in the future. Good luck and congrats on your baby girl!

Answer 2

I understand your frustration. I as a father show my daughter (10 years old) how much I pay for child support as well; because I want her to SEE what may be misconstrued. A little background on my situation, my ex-wife walked away (no mental, physical, sexual, verbal abuse) and chose not to let me have a say in it (this is a reoccourring issue; she did the same thing to her oldest daughter's dad). She met a man (her best friend's dad - NO JOKE who was still married) and had another child with him. He's retired and dosen't want her to work. She refuses to work, refuses to pay child support (She's $6,000 in arrears) has had her license suspend (still drives) gets $412/month from me (did I mention I have my daughter every other week) and gets $400/month from her oldest daughter's dad (who never gets to see her even though he has visitation and joint custody). She has 2 new vehicles and a home of her own. Me listing all the **** she's done and pulled in contempt (found guilty twice); this would be 3 times this long. So I show my daughter so my daughter knows what support I'm giving financially to her mom. She knows I love her because not only do I support her when I have her; I support her when her mom has her too. I just wish child support was not a end around for spousal support. He pays it it's his money he has a right to let his daughter see; are you misappropriating his support? U seem defensive

Answer 3

Usually the dollar amounts are based on the income of both parents, the number of children, the expenses of the custodial parent, and any special needs of the child. In many states or locales the amount is determined by a chart which factors in all these figures. It may also include health plan coverage, school tuition or other expenses, and may be reduced during periods of extended visitation such as summer vacations. Child support generally continues until the child reaches 18 years, graduates from high school, is emancipated (no longer lives with either parent), or, in some cases, for an extended period such as college attendance. The amount and continuation of support may be changed by the court upon application of either party depending on a proved change of circumstance of the parents or child. Child support is not deductible from gross income for tax purposes (but may allow a dependent exemption) nor is it taxed as income, unlike alimony, which is deductible by the payer and taxed as the adult recipient's income.

Answer 4

it depends. they have a formula they use based on what your income is and what the mothers income is. They also figure in how much money you need to make to support yourself. Usually you can look on the website of child support for your state and it should have a link somewhere that will show how they determine how much you pay. When we did child support for my oldest daughter- her father was making about 45k a year and he was court ordered to pay me 189 a week. That was like 7 years ago though- and he's never paid any of it. My sisters babies fathers (2 kids) is only court ordered to pay 50 dollars a week for the two- but i have no idea how much income he verified when they went to court.

Answer 5

Do a search for "Iowa child support calculator" then you can see the formula that the state uses to determine child support. They aren't going to take into account any money that you've already spent on baby items.

Answer 6

What do you love more, money or your daughter? By law you will be required to pay up to 25% of your salary towards child support. The best thing you can do besides giving the child support is to start a college savings account for her. I think you can start up with as little as $15.00 per week. Start earier the better. By the time she is ready for college, she will have a nice amount and she will aprreciate that.

Answer 7

If it is like CA, there are child support GUIDELINES and a specific calculation to determine child support. Check with the family court. Typically the courts look at what is best for the child.

Congrats for wanting to take responsibility and for taking care of your daughter!

Answer 8

each state is different that is decided by the friend of the court in michigan they can take 60 percent of your wages if you are single 50 percent if you are married based on a 40 hour per week job if you work less than full time they will give you a lower amount.good luck and congratulations!

Answer 9

Child support is based on your income. Usually, the courts decide this along with visitation rights.

Answer 10

you need to have it cout ordered and you may want to know for sure if that is your baby just saying because things like that happens and men pay child support and later find out that is not their child just saying. but court order so you will have rights.