Zabloski v. Hall

Andrea Zabloski (plaintiff) and Daryl Hall (defendant), a rock star earning about $1.4 million a year, had one child after a single encounter. Zabloski lived in relative poverty on public assistance; Hall lived frugally and wanted the same for his son. After Hall acknowledged paternity, the only open questions were custody, support, and fees. Zabloski proposed a $3,143 monthly budget-far above her prior standard of living-but the child was a healthy three-year-old with no special needs. Following the state guidelines, the trial court ordered Hall to pay $1,000 per month plus health coverage and uninsured medical costs. Zabloski appealed, seeking an upward deviation based on Hall's wealth.

Whether a custodial parent is entitled to an upward deviation from the statutory child-support guideline based solely on the noncustodial parent's substantial income.