Child Support Calculator
Estimate monthly child support payments based on both parents' incomes, number of children, and custody arrangement.
Results
Visualization
How It Works
Most states use the income shares model for child support, which calculates the total amount both parents would spend on children based on combined income, then divides it proportionally by each parent's income share. Add-ons like health insurance and childcare are split similarly.
The Formula
Payment = (Combined Income x Child % + Add-Ons) x (Paying Parent Income / Combined Income)
Variables
- Child % — Percentage of combined income for children (varies by number of children)
- Add-Ons — Health insurance and childcare costs
- Income Share — Paying parent's proportion of combined income
Example
Parent 1 earns $5,000/mo, Parent 2 earns $3,000/mo, 2 children: Combined = $8,000, 28% = $2,240 obligation + $700 add-ons = $2,940 total. Parent 1 share = 62.5%, payment = $1,838/mo.
Tips
- Child support guidelines vary significantly by state -- check your state's specific formula.
- Support can be modified if either parent's income changes significantly.
- Overtime and bonus income may or may not be included depending on your state.
- Child support is not tax-deductible for the payer or taxable for the receiver.
- Support typically continues until age 18 (or 21 in some states, or through college).