Courts may deviate where guideline support would be unjust or inappropriate, on written findings stating the guideline amount, the reason for deviation, and how the deviation serves the child's best interests.
Deviation factors are enumerated by statute.
Alternative Names:
Guideline Deviation|Support Deviation
Why it Matters?
Written findings are required and their absence is reversible error, which means a deviation entered without the statutory findings is vulnerable on appeal regardless of whether it was substantively appropriate. Recognized factors include extraordinary medical expenses, a child's special needs, extraordinary travel costs for parenting time, and high combined income above guideline caps. Agreement alone does not justify deviation without findings.
Frequently Confused with
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
What findings are required?
Does parental agreement justify deviation?
