6.8.4 Basic Child Support Obligation (Line 5)

This requires reference to the schedule of basic child support obligations contained in La. R.S. 9:315.14.

If the amount of the combined income falls between the guidelines, one figures the exact child support by extrapolation as in the following example:

Assume the combined income of the parties is $2,093. Thus, the income amount falls between $2,050 and $2,100. The child support for two children at $2,050 is $562. The child support for two children at $2,100 is $575. To arrive at the proper child support amount for $2,093, one should do the following calculations. $575 - $562 = $13. Subtract $2,050 from $2,093 = $43. Multiply 43 x 2 = 86. Now, multiply $13 x .86 = $11.18. Add $11.18 to $562 = $573.18. $573.18 is the basic child support obligation. This number should be placed on Line 5.