How Is Child Support Calculated?

Child support ensures that both parents contribute financially to raising their children. Every state uses a formula or guidelines to determine the amount.

Two main models:

Income shares model (used by most states) — Combines both parents' incomes, determines what would be spent on the child in an intact household, and divides that amount proportionally based on each parent's income.

Percentage of income model — Takes a set percentage of the non-custodial parent's income based on the number of children (e.g., 17% for one child, 25% for two).

Factors considered:

Gross or net income of both parents

Number of children

Custody and parenting time arrangements

Health insurance costs for the children

Childcare expenses (daycare, after-school care)

Extraordinary expenses (special needs, private school)

Other support obligations

Duration. Child support typically continues until the child turns 18 (or 19-21 in some states), graduates from high school, enlists in the military, or becomes emancipated.

Enforcement. If a parent fails to pay, enforcement mechanisms include wage garnishment, tax refund interception, license suspension, bank levies, and contempt of court. Willful non-payment can result in jail time.

Modification. Either parent can request a modification if there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as job loss, significant income change, or changes in custody.

Deviation. Courts can deviate from the guidelines when strict application would be unjust.

This is legal information, not legal advice.