Child Support Payment Calculator (US State-by-State)

Most states use the Income Shares Model (~40 states), where both parents' incomes are combined to determine the basic child support obligation from state-specific schedule tables. Each parent contributes proportionally based on their share of the combined income. A smaller number of states use the Percentage-of-Obligor-Income Model, where support is a fixed percentage of the non-custodial parent's income only. Some states use hybrid models.

The Income Shares Model assumes children should receive the same proportion of parental income they would have received if the parents lived together. Both parents' gross incomes are combined. The basic child support obligation is determined from a state-specific table based on combined income and number of children. Each parent contributes proportional to their income share. Adjustments are made for parenting time, health insurance, childcare, and other expenses. Used by approximately 40 states including California, New York, Florida, and Illinois.

The Percentage-of-Obligor-Income Model calculates child support as a fixed percentage of the non-custodial parent's income only. The custodial parent's income is not directly factored into the calculation (though there may be adjustments for shared parenting). States using this model include Texas (20% for one child, 25% for two, 30% for three), Delaware, Wisconsin, Alaska, and Mississippi. This model is simpler but may produce different outcomes than the Income Shares Model.

Child support can be reduced by substantial parenting time (shared custody, typically 35%+), payment of health insurance premiums, payment of childcare costs, and low income (self-support reserve). It can be increased by high income (above the guideline table maximum), extraordinary medical expenses, educational expenses, and special needs of the child. Some states also allow deviations for hardship, high-income scenarios, or other equitable factors.

Yes - parenting time significantly affects child support in most states. In shared parenting arrangements (typically when the non-custodial parent has the child 25-50% of the time), many states apply a parenting time adjustment that reduces the basic obligation. Some states use an adjusted schedule for shared custody, some apply a multiplier (e.g., 1.5x the basic obligation before dividing between parents), and others use a formula based on the percentage of overnights. This calculator incorporates parenting time adjustments for shared custody scenarios.

This calculator provides good-faith estimates based on published state guidelines and standard formula types. However, actual child support orders can differ due to: deviations for specific circumstances, local court practices, imputed income findings, self-support reserve calculations specific to your state, and judicial discretion. Always consult with a family law attorney in your state for a binding estimate of your specific child support obligation.

Yes - this child support payment calculator is 100% free with no signup, no account, no usage limits, and no hidden charges. Everything runs locally in your browser. Your income, family, and financial data never leaves your device. Estimate unlimited scenarios across all 50 states plus DC, completely free forever.