Child Support Calculator - Calculate Your Monthly Payments
Estimate monthly child support payments.
Monthly Support
Based on income shares model. Actual amounts vary by state.
How to Use This Child Support Calculator
- Select your state — Child support guidelines vary significantly by state. Choose your state for the most relevant estimate.
- Enter your monthly income — Input your gross monthly income from all sources before taxes and deductions.
- Select number of children — More children result in a higher combined percentage applied to your income.
- Select custody time — The more parenting time you have, the lower your estimated support obligation.
- Click Calculate — See your estimated monthly child support payment.
Understanding Your Child Support Estimate
This calculator uses a simplified percentage-of-income model. Here is what affects actual child support amounts:
- State guidelines: States use either the Income Shares Model (both parents' incomes) or the Percentage of Income Model (non-custodial parent's income only).
- Shared parenting time: Most states adjust support based on the number of overnight visits. Some states use a formula to offset support when both parents share significant time.
- Additional expenses: Child care costs, health insurance premiums, and extraordinary medical expenses are often added on top of base support.
- High-income adjustments: Many states have income caps or apply different percentages for high-income parents above a certain threshold.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to pay child support?
Child support generally continues until the child turns 18 or graduates high school (whichever is later), though some states extend to age 19-21 for college attendance. Support ends earlier if the child becomes emancipated, marries, or joins the military.
Can child support be modified?
Yes. Child support can be modified if there is a substantial change in circumstances: significant income change (job loss, raise), change in custody arrangement, or changed needs of the child. Most states allow review every 3 years even without a change in circumstances.
What happens if I don't pay child support?
Failure to pay child support can result in serious consequences: wage garnishment, tax refund interception, driver's license suspension, passport denial, credit reporting, contempt of court, and even jail time in extreme cases. Unpaid support accrues as arrears that must eventually be paid.
Is child support tax deductible?
No. Child support payments are neither tax deductible for the paying parent nor taxable income for the receiving parent. This is different from alimony, which has distinct tax treatment under current law. Child support is considered a parental obligation, not income.
Can custody arrangements affect child support?
Yes. The more parenting time you have, the lower your support obligation typically becomes. Many states use a formula that offsets support when both parents share significant custody. In 50/50 custody arrangements, the higher-earning parent may still pay some support depending on the state's income shares model.
What if I have children with multiple partners?
Each child support obligation is typically calculated separately. Courts consider your total income and all existing support orders when setting new obligations. Having multiple support orders may reduce the percentage applied for each additional child, though total payments across all orders cannot exceed a reasonable percentage of your income.