Application of IMNDMA 505

Under prior support law, the courts had wide discretion to set support awards, limited only by the power to appeal the decision. This discretion has been circumscribed by the enactment of IMDMA §505, containing (1) percentage guidelines that typically must be applied to the paying parent’s net income to derive a support figure, whether temporary or permanent; (2) the definition of “net income,” all components of which figure directly in the calculation of a support award; and (3) a list of factors that the court should consider when making an award that deviates from the guidelines (whether higher or lower).

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