Some of the problems I have noticed with most state's child support calculation systems:
1. They do not account for cost of living differences if parents live in different states (ex: OK and NY) where cost of living, including child care and rent, vary vastly.
2. They do not account for the fact that the non-custodial parent still has to have a room and other stuff for when the child is with him or her. Thus the custodial parent may end up with a much nice lifestyle and residence than that non-custodial parent. The child often does not understand why the NCP cannot buy as much or even provide a proper bedroom.
3. They often do not account for travel costs even if it is better for the child to see both of his or her parents.
4. In an out-of-state visitation agreement, as in mine, the court does not account for the fact that I have my son for 2 months, during which time I pay for summer programs, clothes, food, etc. During those months, I still have to pay money to my ex!
Finally, despite paying about 1/5 of my salary to my ex (who makes more than I do), my son never has clothes that fit or are new, is never enrolled in enrichment programs...basically is not well cared for. I tried to get custody, but it proved futile. My ex got a slap on the wrist and I was ordered to pay more support because I got a raise at my job.
Fast forward a few years...I got so fed up, that I am now in law school (thank you Sallie Mae for helping me cover my child support payments). My goal is to try to fix this very broken system!
