Child Support Calculator

Estimate child support payments based on income, custody arrangement, and state guidelines. Educational tool - consult legal professional for official amounts.

Gross monthly income of the parent paying child support

Gross monthly income of the parent receiving child support

Number of children requiring support

Custody arrangement affects calculation method

Number of overnights child spends with paying parent (e.g., every other weekend = ~104)

Monthly cost of health insurance for children

Work-related childcare expenses

Special needs, private school, extracurricular activities, etc.

Different states use different calculation models

Income Shares Model (Most States):\nBasic Support = Combined Income * % based on # of children\nPayor Share = (Payor Income / Combined Income) * Total Support\nPayee Share = (Payee Income / Combined Income) * Total Support\n\nPercentage Model (TX, WI):\nSupport = Payor Income * % (20% for 1 child, 25% for 2, etc.)\n\nMelson Formula (DE, HI, MT):\nSelf-Support Reserve = $1,200/month minimum\nAvailable Income = (Payor + Payee Income) - Reserves\nSupport = Available Income * Child %\n\nAdd: Health Insurance + Daycare + Extraordinary Expenses\nAdjust for custody: Shared custody -30%, Primary -15%
Example (Income Shares Model):\nPayor: $5,000/month, Payee: $3,000/month\n2 children, Sole custody\nHealth Ins: $200, Daycare: $800\n\nCombined Income: $8,000\nBasic Support: $8,000 * 25% = $2,000\nAdditional: $200 + $800 = $1,000\nTotal Costs: $3,000\n\nPayor Share: $5,000/$8,000 = 62.5%\nPayor Obligation: $3,000 * 62.5% = $1,875\nPayee Obligation: $3,000 * 37.5% = $1,125\n\nNet Payment: $1,875 - $1,125 = $750/month\n\nAnnual: $9,000\n18 years: $162,000

How is child support calculated?

Child support calculation varies by state, but most use one of three models: (1) Income Shares Model (40+ states) - considers both parents income and assumes child should receive same proportion of income as if parents lived together, (2) Percentage of Income (TX, WI, etc.) - flat percentage of paying parent income based on number of kids, (3) Melson Formula (DE, HI, MT) - ensures both parents retain self-support reserve before calculating support. All models also add health insurance, daycare, and extraordinary expenses.

What income is used for child support calculation?

Gross income is typically used, including: wages, salary, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, rental income, investment income, unemployment benefits, disability, workers comp, pensions, and other regular income. Courts may impute income if a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed. Excluded: public assistance, food stamps, child support from other relationships.

Does custody arrangement affect child support?

Yes, significantly. Sole custody (one parent has child >90% of time) results in higher support from non-custodial parent. Primary custody (70/30 to 90/10 split) may reduce support 10-20%. Shared/joint custody (close to 50/50) can reduce support 30-50% or even eliminate it if incomes are similar, since both parents share costs during their time. Overnights count - track them carefully.

What additional expenses are included beyond basic support?

Beyond basic support, courts typically add: (1) Health/dental insurance premiums for children, (2) Unreimbursed medical expenses (usually split proportionally), (3) Work-related childcare/daycare, (4) Educational expenses (private school, tutoring), (5) Extracurricular activities (sports, music lessons), (6) Special needs expenses. These are usually split based on each parent income proportion.

How long do I have to pay child support?

Typically until the child turns 18 or graduates high school (whichever is later), usually age 19. Some states extend to age 21 or longer if child is in college or has special needs. Support continues past 18 if: child is disabled and dependent, child still in high school, or by agreement. College expenses are separate and not required in most states unless agreed upon or ordered.

Can child support be modified?

Yes, but you must petition the court. Grounds for modification: (1) Significant change in either parent income (typically 15-20% change), (2) Change in custody arrangement, (3) Change in child needs (medical, education), (4) Change in number of children supported. Support does NOT automatically change - you must file for modification. Never stop paying without court order or risk contempt charges and arrears.

What happens if I do not pay child support?

Consequences are serious: (1) Wage garnishment (direct from paycheck), (2) Tax refund intercept, (3) License suspension (driver, professional), (4) Passport denial, (5) Credit reporting (damages credit score), (6) Contempt of court (fines, jail time), (7) Interest and penalties on arrears. Child support debt does not go away - not dischargeable in bankruptcy. Always pay through official channels to get credit.

Is child support tax deductible?

No. Child support is NOT tax deductible for the payor and NOT taxable income for the recipient. This differs from alimony (which was tax deductible before 2019). The custodial parent typically claims the child as a dependent for tax purposes unless otherwise agreed, providing Child Tax Credit, EITC, and Head of Household status benefits.

What if my ex-spouse remarries or lives with someone?

The payee parent remarriage or cohabitation generally does NOT affect child support (unlike alimony). Child support is for the children, not the parent. However, the new spouse income is typically NOT counted toward the receiving parent income for support purposes. If the paying parent remarries and has more children, some states allow slight reduction to account for new support obligations.

Can parents agree to different child support amount?

In most states, parents can agree to an amount HIGHER than guidelines, but courts rarely approve amounts LOWER than guidelines unless there are extraordinary circumstances. Courts must ensure children receive adequate support. However, parents can agree to non-cash support (paying mortgage, car, private school directly) as partial fulfillment if court approves. Always get court approval for any deviation from guidelines to avoid future disputes.