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How Does Joint Physical Custody Affect Child Support?
If you have questions about joint custody and child support in Indiana, do not navigate this alone.
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If you have questions about joint custody and child support in Indiana, do not navigate this alone.
If you are going through a separation or divorce in Indiana, you may be asking: If we share custody equally, will I still pay child support? Or, How does Indiana decide who pays and how much?
Joint physical custody can be a fair way to raise a child together, but it does not automatically remove the obligation to pay child support. At Lacy Law Office, our team helps parents in Indianapolis and throughout the state understand what joint custody really means for child support payments and how Indiana law applies to your family’s unique situation.
In Indiana, we have legal custody and physical custody. Joint legal custody generally means both parents share legal responsibility for important decisions in a child’s life, while physical custody generally refers to where the child spends his or her time. Joint custody can include:
Joint legal custody: Both parents make major decisions about schooling, healthcare, and religious upbringing.
Joint physical custody: The child spends significant time living with both parents, although this time may not be exactly equal.
Even when parents share time equally, child support can still apply. Indiana law focuses on ensuring the child has the financial support needed to maintain a stable life.
Many parents assume that joint custody cancels out child support, but this is not true under Indiana guidelines. When parents share custody, the court considers:
Indiana uses a state guideline worksheet to calculate child support, adjusting the amount based on how much time the child spends with each parent. If one parent earns more or covers more expenses, that parent may still pay support to balance the child’s lifestyle between homes.
Determining fair child support in a joint custody arrangement can become complicated, especially when incomes, parenting time, and extra expenses vary. Having an experienced child custody lawyer ensures that your parental rights are protected and that your child’s best interests remain the top priority.
At Lacy Law Office, the team understands Indiana child support laws and how to present accurate information to the court. Clients receive clear explanations, thorough representation, and compassionate support every step of the way.
Life circumstances often change after a custody and support order is finalized. A parent may lose a job, gain a higher-paying position, or the child’s needs may increase due to school, healthcare, or activities. In Indiana, either parent may request a child support modification if there has been a substantial and continuing change in circumstances or if the current order is at least twelve months old and would change by at least twenty percent under the guidelines.
When joint custody is involved, changes in parenting time can also affect support amounts. For example, if the child starts spending more nights with one parent than originally planned, that parent may seek an adjustment to reflect the new arrangement.
The attorneys at Lacy Law Office help parents present clear, accurate information to the court when seeking a child support modification. With careful preparation, the goal is to ensure that support remains fair and meets the child’s best interests.
Child custody and child support decisions have long-lasting effects on both parents and children. If you have questions about joint custody and child support in Indiana, do not navigate this alone.
Contact Lacy Law Office today to schedule a confidential consultation with an Indianapolis child custody lawyer. Get the clear answers and skilled guidance you need to protect your rights and your child’s future.
