Child Support Calculator

What Is Child Support?

Child support is a financial obligation paid by a non-custodial or less custodial parent to contribute to a child\'s living expenses. It ensures children receive adequate financial support from both parents, even when parents no longer live together. Support amounts are typically determined by state guidelines that consider income, custody time, and the number of children.

Most states use either the income shares model, which approximates what parents would spend if together, or the percentage of income model, which applies a fixed percentage. Additional expenses like healthcare, childcare, and education are often added to the basic obligation.

Child Support Formula

Combined Income = Parent 1 Income + Parent 2 Income

Basic Obligation = Combined Income × State Guideline % × Number of Children

Each Parent\'s Share = Basic Obligation × Their Income Proportion × Custody Adjustment

The custody adjustment reduces the paying parent\'s obligation proportionally to their parenting time. Many states apply a formula that recognizes both direct and indirect support contributions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is child support?

Child support is a court-ordered payment from one parent to another to cover a child's living expenses, including housing, food, education, healthcare, and other essential needs.

How is child support calculated?

Child support is typically calculated using state guidelines that consider both parents' incomes, custody percentages, number of children, and additional expenses such as healthcare and childcare.

What income is included in child support calculations?

Most states include wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, rental income, investment income, and sometimes benefits like Social Security or disability payments.

How does custody time affect child support?

The amount of parenting time each parent has directly impacts child support. More custody time typically reduces the amount owed, as the parent is already providing direct support during their parenting time.

What is the income shares model?

The income shares model calculates support based on what both parents would have spent if they lived together. It combines incomes, applies a percentage based on children count, and prorates by each parent's income share.

What is the percentage of income model?

The percentage of income model applies a fixed percentage of the non-custodial parent's income based on the number of children. It does not consider the custodial parent's income.

How many children affect child support?

Support obligations increase with each additional child, though typically at a decreasing marginal rate. For example, 1 child might be 20%, 2 children 28%, and 3 children 32% of income.

Can child support be modified?

Yes, child support can be modified if there is a significant change in circumstances, such as income changes, custody changes, or the child's needs changing. A court order is typically required.

What is imputed income in child support?

Imputed income is income attributed to a parent who is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed. Courts may assign income based on earning capacity rather than actual earnings.

How does self-employment affect child support?

Self-employed parents must report business income and expenses. Courts typically use net income after reasonable business expenses but may scrutinize deductions used to minimize support.

What expenses are added to basic child support?

Additional expenses can include health insurance premiums, medical expenses, childcare costs, educational expenses, and extracurricular activity costs.

How is child support handled for high-income parents?

Many states have income caps for guideline calculations. Above the cap, courts have discretion to apply the percentage to additional income or determine an appropriate amount based on the child's needs.

What is the duration of child support?

Child support typically continues until the child turns 18 or graduates high school, whichever is later. Some states extend support for college expenses or for disabled children.

Can parents agree on child support?

Yes, parents can agree on child support amounts, but courts usually review agreements to ensure they are in the child's best interest and meet minimum guideline requirements.

What happens if a parent fails to pay child support?

Enforcement actions can include wage garnishment, tax refund interception, license suspension, contempt of court, and even jail time for willful non-payment.

How does joint custody affect child support?

In joint custody arrangements, support is often calculated by comparing each parent's obligation based on their income and parenting time, with the higher-earning parent paying the difference.

What is the child support arrearage?

Arrearage is the amount of past-due child support that has not been paid. Interest may accrue on arrears, and enforcement actions can be taken to collect unpaid amounts.

How are medical expenses handled in child support?

Health insurance premiums are typically added to the basic support obligation, and uninsured medical expenses are usually split between parents proportionally to their incomes.

What is the difference between child support and alimony?

Child support is for the child's expenses and is calculated based on guidelines. Alimony supports a spouse and is based on need, ability to pay, marriage length, and lifestyle.

Can child support be paid directly to the child?

Generally no, child support is paid to the custodial parent. However, some states allow direct payments for specific expenses like college tuition with court approval.

How does remarriage affect child support?

Remarriage alone does not typically change child support. However, if the new spouse's income changes household expenses or if the parent's financial situation changes, modification may be possible.

What is the Child Support Enforcement program?

The federal Child Support Enforcement program helps locate parents, establish paternity, establish and enforce support orders, and collect and distribute payments.

How are bonuses treated in child support calculations?

Bonuses are usually included as income in child support calculations. Some states average bonuses over time, while others treat them as additional income in the year received.

What is retroactive child support?

Retroactive child support is support ordered for a period before the court order was entered. It can be awarded from the date of separation or the date the support petition was filed.

How does unemployment affect child support?

Unemployment may reduce child support if income drops, but courts may impute income based on earning potential. Unemployment benefits are typically included as income for support calculations.

What is a child support worksheet?

A child support worksheet is a standardized form used to calculate guideline support amounts. It includes income, deductions, custody time, and additional expenses.

Can child support be waived?

Parents cannot waive a child's right to support. Courts must approve any agreement that deviates from guidelines, and support is ultimately considered the child's right.

How does disability affect child support?

Disability benefits such as SSDI are typically included as income. A disabled parent may request a modification based on reduced earning capacity.

What is the difference between temporary and permanent child support?

Temporary child support is ordered during divorce proceedings. Permanent child support is established in the final divorce decree and remains in effect until modified or terminated.

How is child support calculated in shared custody?

In shared custody (each parent has at least 35% time), the calculation offsets each parent's obligation based on their income and parenting time, with the net difference paid to the lower-income parent.

What factors can deviate from guideline support?

Courts may deviate for reasons including special needs of the child, extraordinary expenses, high income, substantial assets, agreed-upon arrangements, and other equitable considerations.

Related Legal Calculators

External Resources

• ABA Family Law — American Bar Association Family Law Section resources, publications, and legal standards.
• Nolo Family Law — Nolo family law guides covering divorce, child support, custody, alimony, and adoption.
• FindLaw Family Law — FindLaw family law resources including articles, state laws, and legal referrals.
• Justia Family Law — Justia family law guides covering divorce, child custody, support, adoption, and protections.
• LegalZoom Family Law — LegalZoom family law services including divorce documents and legal document preparation.
• Cornell LII Family Law — Cornell Legal Information Institute overview of family law including statutes and regulations.