Child Support Calculator
Get a basic estimate of potential child support payments. This tool is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.
Child Support Estimator
Enter the details below for a basic estimate.
Learn More About Legal Timelines
Important Disclaimer
This calculator provides a simplified estimate for educational purposes only. It is NOT a substitute for legal advice and does NOT use the specific formula for your state. Child support laws are complex and vary significantly by jurisdiction. For an accurate calculation, you must consult a qualified family law attorney and refer to your state's official child support guidelines.
How This Child Support Estimator Works
This tool is based on a simplified "Income Shares Model," which is the most common method used in the United States. Here’s the basic idea:
- The calculator combines both parents' gross monthly incomes to determine a total 'household' income.
- It applies a standard percentage to this income based on the number of children to estimate the basic child support obligation.
- This total obligation is then divided between the parents based on their proportional share of the combined income.
- The result shown is the estimated amount the non-custodial parent might pay to the custodial parent. This does not account for shared custody or other complex factors.
Key Factors That Influence Child Support
Official state calculations are far more detailed than our simple estimator. They often include:
Income of Both Parents
The primary factor is the income of both the custodial and non-custodial parent.
Custody Arrangements
The number of overnights the children spend with each parent can significantly adjust the final amount.
Additional Costs
Costs for health insurance, childcare, and extraordinary medical expenses are often added to the basic obligation.
Other Dependents
Support obligations for children from other relationships can also be a factor in some states.