Free child support estimator using income shares and percentage-of-income models. Calculate estimated monthly payments based on parental income and custody.
Child support ensures children receive adequate financial resources from both parents after separation or divorce. Courts use standardized formulas to determine fair payment amounts based on each parent's income and the custody arrangement.
The two dominant models in the United States are the income shares model (used by most states) and the percentage-of-income model. The income shares model combines both parents' incomes and allocates a proportional share to the non-custodial parent. The percentage-of-income model applies a flat or varying percentage to the paying parent's income.
This calculator provides estimates under both approaches so you can compare results. Actual court-ordered amounts depend on state guidelines, special expenses, and judicial discretion. This tool is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Legal professionals, business owners, and individuals alike benefit from transparent child support calculations when evaluating obligations, settlements, or compliance requirements. Bookmark this page and return whenever circumstances change so you always have current figures at your fingertips.
Understanding potential child support obligations helps both parents plan budgets effectively. Whether you are the custodial or non-custodial parent, having an estimate guides financial decisions during negotiations and mediation. Instant recalculation as you change inputs lets you model multiple scenarios quickly, giving you the data foundation needed for well-informed legal and financial decisions.
Income Shares Model: Combined Income = Parent A + Parent B; Support Obligation = Combined × Child Cost % (based on # children); Non-Custodial Share = Obligation × (Non-Custodial Income / Combined Income) Percentage-of-Income Model: Support = Non-Custodial Income × Rate (1 child: 17%, 2: 25%, 3: 29%, 4: 31%, 5+: 35%)
Result: $937/month
Combined monthly income is $8,000. For two children the cost percentage is approximately 25%, yielding $2,000 in total obligation. The non-custodial parent earns 62.5% of combined income, so their share is $2,000 × 0.625 = $1,250. After adjustments the estimated support is approximately $937/month.
Family courts follow statutory guidelines that establish presumptive support amounts. Judges may deviate from the guidelines for specific circumstances such as extraordinary medical needs, private school tuition, or travel expenses for visitation.
The income shares model is considered more equitable because it accounts for both parents' financial capacity. The percentage-of-income model is simpler to administer but can produce inequitable results when parents have disparate incomes.
Child support orders are enforceable through wage garnishment, tax refund interception, license suspension, and contempt proceedings. The Federal Office of Child Support Enforcement coordinates interstate collection efforts.
The income shares model combines both parents' gross incomes and determines the total child-rearing cost based on published tables. Each parent's share is proportional to their contribution to combined income. Most U.S. states use this approach.
The percentage-of-income model applies a fixed percentage to the non-custodial parent's gross income. The percentage increases with more children. It is simpler but doesn't account for the custodial parent's income.
Yes. Many states reduce child support when the non-custodial parent has significant parenting time (often above 30%). More overnights mean more direct expenses, which offsets the support obligation.
Yes. Either parent can request modification if there is a substantial change in circumstances such as job loss, significant income change, or changes in custody. Courts require proof of the material change.
No. Under current tax law, child support payments are neither deductible by the payer nor taxable income for the recipient. This differs from alimony, which had different rules prior to 2019.
Gross income generally includes wages, salary, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, rental income, dividends, interest, pensions, and Social Security benefits. Some states also impute income if a parent is voluntarily underemployed.