(a) Children are the most vital resource to the continued existence and integrity of the Yurok Tribe, and the Tribe has a compelling interest in promoting and maintaining the health and wellbeing of all Yurok children. Provision for child support is in the best interests of Yurok families and children who have a right and need to receive parental support. Both parents have an obligation towards their children that includes much more than financial support; it includes time and attention as well as guidance and the teaching of Yurok values.

(b) By adopting these child support guidelines, the Tribe affirms and recognizes both parents’ obligation to provide support for their children as their respective income, resources and abilities allow. Child support orders shall reflect the understanding that in order for children to prosper, their parents must also prosper. Therefore, child support awards should not be so burdensome that the parents obligated to provide them are left with insufficient resources necessary for their own livelihood.

(c) In adopting this chapter, it is the intention of the Yurok Tribe to ensure that it is in compliance with federal regulations for child support guidelines. [Ord. 50 § 7.1, adopted, 3/23/2017.]