Glossary

To some extent, each jurisdiction examined in this study uses its own unique terminology. To help readers navigate these differences, “jurisdiction neutral” terminology is used in the two reports emanating from this study: Volume I – Review of International Child Support Models and Volume II – Jurisdiction Summaries. In Volume II, if a jurisdiction uses a term that differs from the “jurisdiction neutral” term, the term used in that jurisdiction is provided in a footnote. The only exception, however, pertains to the terms used in the formula calculations. As these terms refer to specific calculations, they cannot be altered without changing their meaning. Such terms have been italicized to assist readers to identify them. The glossary of jurisdiction-neutral terms follows.

Apportioning approach

The method underpinning the formula calculations that share the expenditures on children between the two parents to generate a child support amount to be paid.

Child support model

 

The method and approach by which a jurisdiction establishes child support amounts for one parent to pay to the other parent. It is inclusive of all approaches and all methods used by any jurisdiction. It includes whether or not the jurisdiction uses formulas or tables to determine a child support amount, the legislative framework that outlines how separating and/or divorcing parents are to support their children, and the mechanism for the administration of the determination of child support within the model – ranging from an administrative model to relying on their family court system to make the determination or a combination of both.

Child support guidelines

The applicable legislation that is used to define the rules, the formula and required applicable calculations, and the method for determining expenditures on the child and how those expenditures will be shared, when parents separate or divorce.

Child support amount

The amount of money that one parent pays to the other parent to help financially support their child after a separation or divorce.

Dependent children

Children that are not part of the current child support action. They can be children a parent has with a new partner (second family) or children from previous relationships for which there may be a child support order, or not.

Expenditures on children

The amount that is determined to be the expenses on children within a formula calculation. How these expenditures are determined depends on the child support model in the jurisdiction. The methodology used to derive the expenditures could be based on actual expenditures on children, a basket of goods or budget-based approach, or a basic needs approach.

Formula

Compilation of mathematical calculations that must be used to generate a child support amount.

Gross income

Any source of revenue (before taxes or any other deductions) that is included by a jurisdiction that determines a level of income for a parent that is to be used in the formula calculations.

Imputing income

The means by which income is attributed to a parent when the amount of income a parent claims is not a fair reflection of the actual income and capacity to pay child support, or when the parent refuses to provide income information when required to do so.

Income available for child support

The “final” income that is used by a jurisdiction that has been subjected to applicable deductions (e.g., taxes, self-support amounts, presence of dependents) and that is then subsequently used in the formula calculations to generate a child support amount.

Net income

The revenue of a parent after deductions have been made to their gross income. The deductions can include the applicable taxes and other deductions specific to a jurisdiction, as well as amounts for a self-support reserve.

Paying parent

A parent or a spouse who has a legal duty to pay child support.

Parenting arrangements/custody

The arrangements parents make for the care of their children after separation or divorce. Includes arrangements concerning where the children will live and who will be responsible for making major decisions about them.

Parenting time/custody

The time that a child spends in care with a parent. Many jurisdictions define and calculate this as “overnight” stays but daytime “care” may also be counted, when applicable.

Receiving parent

A parent or a spouse who is legally entitled to receive child support.

Self-support reserve

An amount defined by a jurisdiction as the basic amount for a parent to support himself or herself before supporting others. This amount is usually deducted from the available income for child support of a parent. This is sometimes also called a self-support allowance.

Shared parenting/custody

A threshold of parenting time that is considered “shared” between the parents. Often can change the nature of the formula calculations to account for this circumstance. Though the term is used by a number of jurisdictions, thresholds vary considerably.

Social benefit

An amount that is provided to low-income individuals or families by a government. Also known as social security or social assistance.

Split custody

Living arrangement where there are two or more children and each parent has at least one of the children spending the majority of the time with them.

Special or extraordinary expenses

Expenditures that are normally outside of the usual costs that are included in the calculations to determine the expenditures on children that are to be used in the formula calculations. They may include, but are not limited to: childcare, extraordinary medical expenses for the child, school expenses such as private tuition, and expenses for extracurricular activities of the child, such as sports, arts, etc.

Undue hardship

Circumstance in which either parent claims that they cannot support their child due to extenuating factors specific to their case. They may include but are not limited to such circumstances as: inability to pay because of a loss of income, debts, incarceration; other family circumstances such as other adult family members to support; and excessive costs to spend time with the child.