Each state uses either the Income Shares model or the Percentage of Income model. Income Shares combines both parents' incomes; Percentage applies a fixed rate to the paying parent's income only.
Child Support Calculator
Select your state to apply its guideline model. This calculator uses each state's guideline approach — not a national average. Results are estimates for planning; courts apply your specific facts.
State guidelines research · April 2026 · Editorial standards
Reviewed by TheLegalCalc Editorial TeamLegal disclaimer
Legal information only. Results are estimates for planning purposes and do not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by state and change over time. Always consult a licensed attorney for your specific situation.
Estimate monthly child support payments using your state's guidelines - Income Shares or Percentage model.
Most states use gross income. Montana, Delaware, Hawaii, and Wyoming calculate support using net income. See your state's note below for guidance.
Most states use gross income. Montana, Delaware, Hawaii, and Wyoming calculate support using net income. See your state's note below for guidance.
Used only to estimate total support until age 18 (months remaining × monthly amount). It does not change the guideline math.
How this Child Support calculator works
Child support is calculated using one of two models depending on your state. The Income Shares model combines both parents' incomes and allocates support proportionally. The Percentage model applies a...
Child Support laws across the U.S.: what you need to know
Federal baseline rules often apply nationwide, but state statutes, court rules, and agency practice can change amounts, deadlines, and remedies. Choose your state in the calculator to read jurisdiction-specific context. Always confirm current law with a licensed attorney in your state.
Frequently asked questions
Used by most states, it combines both parents' gross incomes and allocates support proportionally based on each parent's share of the total.
Used by states like Texas and Wisconsin, it applies a fixed percentage (e.g., 20% for 1 child) directly to the paying parent's net income.
Yes. Either parent can request a modification if there is a substantial change in circumstances - such as a significant income change, job loss, or change in custody.
In most states, extended overnight visits (typically over 146 nights per year) can reduce the support obligation due to shared physical custody adjustments.
Yes. Most states require health insurance premiums and work-related childcare costs to be added to the basic support obligation.
Enforcement tools include wage garnishment, tax refund interception, license suspension, passport denial, and contempt of court proceedings.
In most states, child support continues until the child turns 18 or graduates high school. Some states extend support through college.
Legal Sources & References
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services — State child support guidelines
- National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) — Child support laws by state
- Cal. Fam. Code § 4055 (California guideline formula)
- Tex. Fam. Code § 154.125 (Texas percentage of income)
- Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) — Federal policy context
Citations are for research and verification. Statutes, thresholds, and agency guidance change; confirm the current text with official sources or a licensed attorney in your state.
Official Government & Bar Resources
Legal Disclaimer: The results provided by TheLegalCalc are estimates for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by state and change frequently. Always consult a licensed attorney in your state before making legal decisions.
Legal disclaimer
This calculator provides general U.S. planning estimates for informational purposes only. Select your state for jurisdiction-specific limitations. Results do not constitute legal advice.
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