The presumed amount of child support in Oregon is determined by a formula created by the Oregon Legislature. The formula is based upon many factors, including, but not limited to, the number of children, any other children of one of the parties, the gross income of each parent, spousal support paid and received, the number of overnights each child spends with each parent, the cost of health insurance, and child care expenses.
A calculator has been established by the Department of Justice, Division of Child Support. Many people find using this calculator to be complicated. The proper computation of child support is a service provided by Mediation Northwest. Child support is available for a child until age 18 or through age 20 if the child is attending school.
In mediation, most couples quickly realize that the calculated child support is not enough for their child to live the life they want their child to live. Therefore, in addition to the calculated child support, many parties also agree to share expenses for their child’s uninsured medical expenses, extra-curricular expenses, clothing, additional school fees, etc.