Child Support Calculator
Estimate child support payments based on income, number of children, custody arrangement, and state guidelines.
Enter income details and select a state to estimate child support.
How Child Support Is Calculated
Child support in the United States is determined at the state level, with each state using one of three primary models:
- Income Shares Model (used by most states): Combines both parents' incomes, determines the total child-rearing cost from guideline tables, then splits the obligation proportionally based on each parent's income share.
- Percentage of Income Model (Alaska, Mississippi, Texas, Wisconsin): Applies a flat percentage of the non-custodial parent's income based on the number of children.
- Melson Formula (Delaware, Hawaii, Montana): Similar to income shares but includes a self-support reserve for each parent before calculating the obligation.
Factors That Affect the Amount
Beyond the basic formula, courts consider health insurance premiums, childcare costs, education expenses, special needs, travel costs for visitation, and other children from different relationships. Many states also adjust the amount based on the parenting time split, reducing the non-custodial parent's obligation when they have significant overnight custody.
Modifying Child Support
Child support orders can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant change in income, job loss, change in custody arrangement, or the child's changing needs. Most states require a minimum percentage change (typically 10-20%) or a "substantial change" to modify an existing order.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is child support calculated?
Most states use the income shares model, which combines both parents' incomes, looks up the basic support obligation from a guideline table, and divides it proportionally by each parent's share of the combined income. Adjustments are then made for health insurance, childcare, and custody arrangements. The court has discretion to deviate from the guidelines based on specific circumstances.
Can child support be modified?
Yes. Either parent can request a modification when there has been a substantial change in circumstances. Common reasons include significant income changes (job loss, promotion, disability), changes in custody or parenting time, changes in the child's needs (medical or educational), or when one parent's living situation changes significantly.
What happens if I don't pay?
Failure to pay court-ordered child support can result in serious consequences, including wage garnishment, tax refund interception, suspension of driver's license and passport, contempt of court charges (which can lead to jail time), credit report damage, and liens on property. If you cannot pay, it is critical to seek a formal modification rather than simply stopping payments.
Does custody affect the amount?
Yes. In most states, the more parenting time (overnights) the paying parent has, the lower the child support obligation. This reflects the fact that the paying parent is directly covering costs during their parenting time. Many states use a specific formula to reduce the obligation based on the percentage of overnights. At equal (50/50) custody, support may be significantly reduced or eliminated if incomes are similar.