District of Columbia Child Support

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Get the right child support for your state now. Child Support is an important part of your monthly budget. Shouldn't you be sure the amount is correct? Calculate what your support should be OR calculate the arrears owed to you.

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District of Columbia child support is actually dictated by Federal Law.  The Federal Government undertook studies to determine how much support was available to children in intact families at different income levels.  The Federal Government then passed laws that would deny Federal funding to any state that did not pass child support laws that incorporated the Federal guidelines.  The support collection and support enforcement laws in District of Columbia, as well as the other states is also dictated by Federal Law on those topics.

District of Columbia child support can be assessed against either parent. Child support payments will generally continue until the child reaches the age of twenty-one. As in many states, however, a parent’s support obligation may end earlier if the child becomes self-supporting through marriage, employment or military service. Child support payments can continue beyond the age of twenty-one if the child is handicapped.

District of Columbia child support is calculated in accordance with support guidelines found in the D.C. Code. In general, the guidelines will direct that a percentage of annual income be paid as child support. This amount will vary depending on the number of children at issue. After applying the guidelines, the Court will have the discretion to increase or decrease the amount of child support by 3% based upon the facts and circumstances of the particular case. Greater variations from the child support guidelines are based on the following factors: (a) the child's needs are exceptional; (b) the non-custodial parent's income is substantially less than the custodial parent's income; (c) a property settlement between the parents provides resources for the child above the minimum support requirements; (d) the non-custodial parent provides support for other dependents and the guideline amounts would cause hardship; (f) the non-custodial parent needs a temporary reduction (of no longer than 12 months) in support payments to repay a substantial debt; (g) the custodial parent provides medical insurance coverage; (h) the custodial parent receives child support payments for other children and the custodial parent’s household income is substantially greater than that of the non-custodial parent; and (i) any other extraordinary factors.

District of Columbia child support can be paid directly to the custodial parent or through the Clerk of the Superior Court. If payments are paid to the Court, they will be distributed, by the Clerk to the custodial parent. This mechanism can aid in collecting support from the support payor.