Child Support Estimator

Child support is a court-ordered payment from the non-custodial parent to the custodial parent to cover the child’s living, educational, and medical expenses. The calculation method varies by jurisdiction but most U.S. states use one of two models: the Income Shares Model or the Percentage of Income Model.

Income Shares Model (most common — used in ~40 states): Basic Support Obligation = Combined Parental Income × Support Percentage from State Table Each Parent’s Share = Basic Support Obligation × (Parent’s Income ÷ Combined Income) Non-Custodial Payment = Non-Custodial Parent’s Share − Their Direct Payments

Percentage of Income Model (simpler — used in some states): Payment = Non-Custodial Parent’s Net Income × Percentage per Child

• 1 child: ~17% | 2 children: ~25% | 3 children: ~29% | 4 children: ~31% | 5+: ~34%

What each variable means:

• Gross Income: all earned and unearned income: wages, self-employment, rental income, dividends.
• Net Income: gross minus mandatory deductions (taxes, health insurance, union dues).
• Parenting Time Adjustment: more overnight visits with the non-custodial parent can reduce their obligation.
• Add-ons: childcare, medical premiums, and education costs are typically split proportionally on top of the base.

Worked example (Income Shares): Parent A earns $4,500/month; Parent B earns $1,500/month. Combined = $6,000. State table says $6,000 income with 1 child = $1,050 basic obligation.

Parent B’s share = $1,050 × ($1,500 ÷ $6,000) = $1,050 × 0.25 = $262.50/month

Parent B is non-custodial and pays $262.50 per month (before any add-ons).

Important: This calculator provides estimates only. Always consult a family law attorney and use your state’s official worksheet for legal purposes.