How does parenting time affect child support in the US?
Most states reduce child support when the non-custodial parent has significant parenting time — commonly 40%+ or 90+ overnights per year. The adjustment prevents the non-custodial parent from paying full guideline support while also bearing direct costs during their parenting time. The exact formula varies by state.
What is the difference between legal custody and physical custody?
Legal custody is the right to make major decisions (school, medical, religion). Physical custody (or parenting time/residential custody) is where the child actually lives. Parents can share legal custody while one has primary physical custody, or both can be shared (joint). Child support calculations are based on physical custody/parenting time, not legal custody.
How many overnights is 50/50 custody?
50/50 parenting time equals 182–183 overnights per year for each parent. A common 50/50 schedule is 2-2-3 (alternating weekends with a mid-week exchange) or week-on/week-off. States differ on whether 50/50 automatically eliminates support or just triggers a reduction formula.