Indiana Child Support Guidelines
By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq. | Last reviewed December 21, 2022
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Each state sets guidelines for determining child support. The guidelines of each state consider a parent's income to determine financial obligations under any child support arrangement. Other factors may be taken into account, as well.
Continue reading for a breakdown of child support guidelines in Indiana.
Factors Used to Determine Child Support in Indiana
Under child support guidelines in Indiana, the following are taken into account in determining the obligations of parents under any child support arrangement:
- The financial resources of both parents
- The child's standard of living if the divorce or separation hadn't occurred
- The child's physical, mental, and educational needs
Child support is ordered to cover the child's basic living expenses as well as health insurance. When in the best interests of the child, the non-custodial parent can also be ordered to pay for the child's educational needs. Parents must also cover medical, hospital, or dental expenses. If the child passes away, parents must also pay the funeral expenses.
Indiana Child Support Guidelines at a Glance
While it's important to read the actual text of a statute, it can be incredibly beneficial to also review a plain language overview of the law. The following table provides an overview of child support guidelines in Indiana and links to relevant statutes.
Statute(s) |
Indiana Code, Title 31, Article 16, Section 31-16-1-1, et seq. (Support of Children and Other Dependents) |
|---|---|
How is Support Calculated? |
Under Guidelines Two and Three of Indiana's child support guidelines, gross weekly income is taken into account to determine a parent's financial obligation under any child support arrangement. Gross income includes many sources, examples of which are pay from employment, rent, and Social Security. Under the Indiana child support guidelines, the following are also taken into account:
Once income for both parents is determined, the Child Support Obligation Worksheet determines the support amount. |
Child Support Calculator |
Parents can use the Indiana online child support calculator to preview how much child support may be ordered. Although helpful, this isn't a substitute for legal advice and can vary from what is actually ordered. |
How Long Must a Parent Pay Child Support? |
Generally, parents have a duty to support their child(ren) until they:
|
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Child Support Enforcement in Indiana
When a parent fails to pay child support that has been ordered, the payments become delinquent. The local child support prosecutor can go after the delinquent parent to enforce the order in several ways, including:
- Taking the debtor's federal or state income tax refunds, employer bonuses, insurance settlements, or lottery winnings
- Reporting the debt to a credit agency
- Suspending the debtor's driver's, professional, hunting, or fishing licenses
- Putting a lien on the debtor's vehicle
- Denying or revoking the debtor's passport
It's also important to also note that if a court finds that a party intentionally violated a child support order, it can find them in contempt of court.
Indiana Child Support: Related Resources
Consider reviewing the following resources for more information about child support:
Learn More About Indiana Child Support Guidelines from an Attorney
While the information above can provide a helpful guide to understanding Indiana child support laws, it's always a good idea to talk to a professional who can give you personalized legal advice. If you're a parent who needs help enforcing child support orders or has concerns regarding the child support guidelines, you should consult with an experienced child support lawyer in Indiana.
Next Steps: Search for a Local Attorney
Contact a qualified attorney.
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