child and spousal support

In Oregon, child support is calculated using state guidelines designed to ensure both parents contribute fairly to their child’s care and well-being. The court reviews a variety of factors to determine an appropriate support amount, including:

• Each parent’s income and earning capacity

• Any spousal support paid or received by either parent

• Social Security or veterans’ benefits received for the child or parent

• The reasonable cost of each parent’s own living expenses

• Union dues or other mandatory employment-related deductions

• The cost of health insurance for the parents and children

• The number of children being supported

• Education and childcare expenses

• Each parent’s court-ordered parenting time schedule

Generally, the parent with whom the child primarily lives will receive support from the other parent. While the state’s formula provides a starting point, judges can adjust the amount if the circumstances warrant a different outcome.

In Oregon, child support generally continues until a child turns 18. However, support may extend until age 21 if the child is enrolled at least half-time in college, vocational school, or another educational or training program. Oregon is one of only a few states that allows young adults over 18 to continue receiving support while they pursue their education. In those cases, payments are made directly to the child, rather than to the other parent.

Child support obligations end earlier if the child marries, joins the military, or becomes legally emancipated.

It’s also important to know that child support applies to both married and unmarried parents. For unmarried parents, paternity must first be legally established before a child support order can be entered.

Life changes, and sometimes your child support order needs to change too. Circumstances such as job loss, illness, or a significant change in income may justify asking the court to modify an existing order. At Newport Law, we can review your situation and help you file a request for modification when it’s appropriate.

Common reasons parents seek a modification include:

• A substantial increase or decrease in either parent’s income

• Changes in custody or parenting time arrangements

• New or increased expenses for the child, such as health care or education costs

• A change in family circumstances, such as the birth of another child

In addition to child support matters, our attorneys can help you address custody or parenting plan modifications, enforce existing orders, and resolve disputes in a way that protects your child’s stability and best interests.