How is child support calculated in Montana?

Child support is calculated the same in the state of Montana, no matter where you live.  I mainly do calculations for the Flathead Valley, including Whitefish, Kalispell, and Bigfork, but can do calculations for anyone in Montana.

So how is child support calculated in Montana?  Courts in Montana decide what amount is reasonable or necessary to raise a child or children by looking at several factors:

1) The financial resources available to the child;

2) The financial resources available to each parent (income, pensions, etc.)

3) The standard of living the child would have had if the parents were still together

4) The child's emotional, educational, and medical needs

5) The age of the child

6) The cost of day-care, and

7) How much time the child spends with each parent.

These are all considered in calculating child support.  I would recommend you speak to your family law attorney about how child support is calculated for your specific situation and needs.  It is also possible for your family law lawyer to write up your parenting plan and have MT Child Support Enforcement Division calculate child support.