Child Support Calculator
Estimate monthly child support obligations based on both parents income, custody split, and number of children.
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Estimated Monthly Child Support
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Base Support
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Healthcare Share
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Estimate only. Child support is set by state-specific guidelines and judicial discretion. Only a court order establishes legally binding support. Consult a family law attorney.
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How Child Support Is Calculated
Child support is calculated using state-specific formulas designed to ensure children receive financial support proportional to both parents' incomes. Most states use either the Income Shares model or the Percentage of Income model.
- Income Shares model (used by most states). Both parents' incomes are combined to determine a total child support obligation based on what the family would have spent on the child if still together. Each parent contributes proportionally based on their share of the combined income.
- Custody time directly affects the amount. More parenting time by the paying parent typically reduces support obligations. In equal 50/50 custody situations, only the income difference between parents drives the support calculation.
- Healthcare and childcare are added on top. The cost of the child's health insurance and work-related childcare costs are typically added to the base support obligation and allocated proportionally between parents.
- Child support can be modified. Either parent can petition for modification when there is a substantial change in circumstances — typically a 10–15% or greater change in income, a change in custody arrangements, or significant change in the child's needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Child support is calculated using state guidelines, which typically consider both parents' gross incomes, the custody arrangement, number of children, healthcare costs, and childcare expenses. Most states use the Income Shares model, which determines a combined support obligation based on both parents' incomes and allocates it proportionally.
Child support typically continues until the child turns 18, or 19 if still in high school. Some states extend support through college graduation. Support can end earlier if the child becomes legally emancipated, gets married, or joins the military. Agreements can be made to continue support voluntarily beyond these ages.
Yes. Either parent can request a modification when there has been a substantial change in circumstances — usually defined as a 10–15% or greater change in either parent's income, a significant change in custody arrangements, or a change in the child's medical needs. Modifications are not automatic and require a court order.
Non-payment of court-ordered child support has serious consequences: wage garnishment, bank account levies, license suspension (driver's and professional), passport denial, tax refund interception, and in serious cases, imprisonment for contempt of court. The receiving parent can enforce support through the state child support enforcement agency.
In most states, remarriage alone does not directly change child support. However, if a parent's new spouse's income significantly changes the household financial picture, or if a parent has additional children, a modification may be warranted. The new spouse is generally not legally obligated to support stepchildren.