If one parent has heightened medical, psychological, or financial needs, does that circumstance influence the payment of support?

Yes. The child support guidelines and spousal support principles assume that people follow the norm. Not every family does. Not every family can. For example, the child support guidelines presume that each parent is capable of making at least minimum wage. However, if the parent has developmental or physical disabilities, this may not be possible. Similarly, if a child has high needs, that parent may not financially be able to be away from the child if the parent needs to be the one providing constant care. A parent may also have a temporary or even a permanent psychological disability. If so, the expectation that he or she work and support himself or herself may not be realistic. In each special case, the circumstances are evaluated to determine the proper course of action and what will yield a just and equitable resolution.