KS Supreme Court Increases Cost of Child Support Payments

Fri, January 06, 2012

Kansas Public Radio / Stephen Koranda

The Kansas Supreme Court has approved a hike in state-mandated child support payments. An advisory committee recommended increasing the payments because the costs for raising children are on the rise. The federal government requires states to periodically review child support payments. That’s according to Supreme Court spokesman Ron Keefover.

“All the states are required to first have uniform guidelines for child support in place,” says Keefover. “And then review them at least every four years to keep in pace with the economy.”

Increases will range from 3 percent to 12 percent, depending on the age of the child. Keefover says the new guidelines will take effect in April, but the change will only affect future child support agreements. Parents can also have their current child support payment plan reviewed by a judge.