Child Support Calculator 2026 — Estimate Monthly Payments

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Child Support Calculator

Income Shares Model · 2026

Parent Incomes (Monthly Gross)

Parent A Income ($/mo)

Custodial parent

Parent B Income ($/mo)

Non-custodial parent

Children & Custody

Number of Children

Custody Arrangement

Parent B Overnights Per Year

True 50/50 = 182 nights. Sole custody = 0-73 nights.

Additional Expenses (Monthly)

Health Insurance ($)

Childcare / Daycare ($)

Medical (Out-of-Pocket, $)

Education / Activities ($)

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Enter both parents' incomes and custody details to estimate monthly child support.

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How Child Support Is Calculated

Child support in the United States is calculated using state guidelines, with the vast majority of states (40+) using the Income Shares Model. This model determines the amount parents would have spent on the child if the family remained intact, then divides that obligation between both parents in proportion to their respective incomes. The resulting amount is called the basic child support obligation.

The non-custodial parent (or the parent with fewer overnights in shared custody) typically pays their proportional share to the custodial parent. Courts may deviate from guideline amounts based on special circumstances such as a child's special needs, extraordinary medical expenses, or a parent's significantly reduced earning capacity. This calculator provides estimates based on standard guideline principles — always verify with an attorney in your specific state.

Income Shares vs Percentage of Income

Income Shares (40+ states): combines both parents' incomes to determine a total obligation, then splits proportionally. Percentage of Income (fewer states, incl. Texas): sets support as a fixed percentage of the non-custodial parent's income only (Texas: 20% for 1 child, 25% for 2, 30% for 3, 35% for 4, 40% for 5+). Delaware uses Melson Formula. Always check your state's specific model.

Shared Custody Impact

When a non-custodial parent has significant parenting time (typically 40%+ overnights), many states apply a shared parenting adjustment that reduces the support obligation. The threshold and formula vary by state. True 50/50 custody (182 overnights) often results in a significantly lower payment than sole custody, and in some cases may eliminate support payments if incomes are similar.

What Income Is Included

Most states include in "gross income": wages and salaries, self-employment income, bonuses and commissions, investment income, rental income, Social Security benefits, unemployment compensation, pension/retirement income. Generally excluded: public assistance (SNAP, Medicaid), SSI. Overtime may or may not be included depending on whether it's consistent or sporadic.

Modifying a Support Order

Child support orders can be modified when there is a "substantial change in circumstances" — typically a 15-20% change in income, significant change in custody, or major change in a child's needs. Most states allow review every 3 years regardless. Modifications require a court order — informal agreements to pay less are not enforceable and arrears continue to accrue under the original order.

This calculator provides estimates for informational and educational purposes only. Child support is determined by courts applying your specific state's guidelines. This is not legal advice. Consult a licensed family law attorney in your state for guidance on your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is child support calculated in the US?+

Child support is calculated using state-specific guidelines. The most common is the Income Shares Model (used by 40+ states): both parents' gross incomes are combined, a basic support obligation is determined from state guidelines tables based on that combined income and number of children, and each parent's share is proportional to their income percentage. The non-custodial parent's share is then adjusted for actual custody time. Other states (Texas, Mississippi, North Dakota) use the Percentage of Income Model: a fixed percentage of the non-custodial parent's income only, regardless of the custodial parent's earnings.

Does 50/50 custody mean no child support?+

Not necessarily. In 50/50 shared custody, child support may still be ordered if there is a significant income disparity between parents. The higher-earning parent typically pays some support to equalize the children's standard of living in both homes. The amount is usually reduced compared to sole-custody scenarios, often by applying a shared parenting adjustment. If both parents earn roughly equal incomes and have truly equal custody, some states may result in a zero support obligation or a very nominal amount. The specific formula varies significantly by state.

What counts as income for child support purposes?+

Most states define income broadly for child support: wages and salary, self-employment income (after reasonable business expenses), bonuses and overtime (if regular), commissions, investment income and dividends, rental income, Social Security benefits (retirement and disability), workers' compensation, unemployment compensation, pension and retirement distributions, and in some cases imputed income (what a parent could earn if working full-time). Courts can impute income to a voluntarily unemployed or underemployed parent based on their education, work history, and local job market. New spouse's income is generally not included but may be considered in some circumstances.

Can child support be changed after it is set?+

Yes, through a formal legal process called modification. To modify support, you must show a "substantial change in circumstances" since the last order. Most states require at least a 15-20% change in the support amount to justify modification. Common grounds: significant income change (job loss, promotion), change in custody arrangement, change in child's needs (medical, educational), change in healthcare or childcare costs. Most states also allow automatic review every 3 years without showing changed circumstances. Modifications are only effective from the date the petition is filed, not from when circumstances changed — this is why prompt action is important.

What happens if child support is not paid?+

Unpaid child support (arrears) accumulates with interest and is aggressively enforced. Consequences of non-payment: wage garnishment (automatic in many states), seizure of tax refunds (federal and state), bank account levies, suspension of driver's license, suspension of professional licenses, suspension of passport, contempt of court (can lead to jail time), negative credit reporting, liens on property. Child support arrears do not go away — they cannot be discharged in bankruptcy and have no statute of limitations in most states. The Child Support Enforcement program operates through the Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) and works across state lines.

How long does child support last?+

In most states, child support continues until the child turns 18. Exceptions: if the child is still in high school at 18, support may continue until graduation (up to 19 in many states). Some states extend support through college if the parents agree or the court orders it (New York, New Jersey, and others). Support terminates early upon: child's emancipation (marriage, military service, living independently), adoption by another parent, or death. Support does not automatically terminate — you must typically get a court order ending the obligation to stop payments and avoid continued accumulation of arrears.

Are there deductions from gross income before calculating support?+

States differ on whether support is calculated from gross or net income, and what deductions apply. Common deductions from gross income before calculating support in Income Shares states: mandatory payroll deductions (Social Security, Medicare), state and federal income taxes, union dues, mandatory retirement contributions, health insurance premiums for the child, prior child support paid under other orders. Note: voluntary deductions (401k contributions, voluntary retirement) are generally NOT deducted — courts use actual available income, not choices that reduce it. Always check your specific state's statutes for exactly what is included and excluded.

How are healthcare and childcare costs handled in child support?+

Healthcare and childcare costs are typically treated as additional obligations on top of the basic support amount, added proportionally to each parent's income share. Health insurance: if one parent provides health insurance for the child, the other parent typically reimburses their proportional share. Extraordinary medical expenses (uninsured): generally split proportionally. Childcare/daycare: work-related childcare necessary for either parent to work is typically added to the basic obligation and split proportionally. Education and extracurricular: varies by state and court discretion, but many courts split these proportionally, especially if both parents agree to the activity.

What is imputed income in child support cases?+

Imputed income is income attributed to a parent who is voluntarily unemployed, underemployed, or earning below their potential earning capacity. Courts impute income to prevent a parent from intentionally reducing their earnings to minimize support obligations. Factors used: education level, work history and experience, job skills, prevailing wages in the local area, available jobs, health and physical condition. Example: a surgeon who quits to work retail after a divorce may have their surgeon salary imputed for support purposes. Courts generally don't impute income for parents who are primary caregivers to young children or have legitimate reasons for reduced earnings (medical disability, caring for a child with special needs).

Can parents agree to a different amount than the guideline?+

Yes, parents can agree to an amount different from the guideline calculation, but the court must approve it. Courts will only approve a deviation if both parties voluntarily agree, the child's needs are adequately met, and approval is in the child's best interest. Parents cannot waive child support entirely in most circumstances because support belongs to the child, not the parents. A court can and will reject an agreement that leaves a child inadequately supported. If circumstances change, either parent can later return to court to modify the agreed amount using standard modification procedures. Document all agreements formally through the court — informal agreements are not enforceable.