How Child Support is Determined

Child Support in Nebraska is usually based on the total income of both parents. The amount is set according to the Nebraska Child Support Guidelines. The incomes of both parents, after certain deductions, are added together. A chart sets out various amounts of child support depending on the number of minor children and the parent’s total combined income. The Court then determines the percentage each parent contributes to the total combined income. Each party must pay a percentage of the child support based upon the percent of income contributed by that party.

For example: Bob and Julie have two minor children. Bob makes $3,000 per month and Julie makes $1,000 per month, for a total of $4,000 per month. The Nebraska Child Support Guidelines state that if the parents have two children and make $4,000 per month, the total amount necessary to support the children is $1,338. Since Bob’s income is 75% of the total income of $4,000, he is responsible for 75% of $1,338 in child support, or $1,003.50. Julie is responsible for the remaining 25%, or $334.50.

If Bob and Julie had one minor child, the total amount of support would be $905, and Bob would have to pay $678.75. If they had three minor children, the total amount would be $1,548, of which Bob would pay $1,161.

The chart which sets out the amounts of child support can be found here.