Child Support Calculations in Oregon

Oregon calculates child support using the Income Shares model under OAR 137-050, ensuring children receive the same proportion of parental income they would have enjoyed if the family remained intact. Whether you're navigating an uncontested or contested divorce, understanding Oregon's detailed parenting-time credits and self-support reserve is essential for accurate calculations.

The Income Shares Model

Oregon's Income Shares approach uses statutory schedules based on combined monthly parental gross income and number of children. The total child support obligation is then divided between parents proportionally based on their income shares.

• Combined income cap: $30,000/month—income above this requires court discretion based on children's demonstrated needs
• Basic obligation: Found in the Basic Child Support Obligation (BCSO) tables in OAR 137-050-0700
• Proportional sharing: Each parent pays their percentage of the total obligation

Calculating Gross Income

Under OAR 137-050-0710, Oregon uses gross income as the starting point. Income sources include:

• Employment income: Wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, overtime
• Self-employment: Gross receipts minus ordinary and necessary business expenses
• Investment income: Interest, dividends, trust income, capital gains, rental income
• Benefits: Social Security, unemployment, workers' compensation, disability, pensions
• Other sources: Spousal support received, annuities, prizes

Adjustments: Court-ordered spousal support paid, existing child support for other children, and union dues are deducted before calculating shares.

Imputing Income for Voluntary Unemployment

When a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed without good cause, Oregon courts may impute income based on earning capacity. Courts consider:

• Education, training, and work history
• Job availability in the local labor market
• Physical or mental limitations
• Presence of young children requiring care (courts may apply different standards)

Self-employed parents must provide complete tax returns and business records. Oregon scrutinizes deductions that appear designed to reduce reportable income.

Parenting-Time Credit System

Oregon's parenting-time credit under OAR 137-050-0730 is one of the most detailed in the nation. The credit applies when the non-custodial parent has at least 73 overnights per year (20% of overnights).

The credit uses a complex formula combining logistic and linear functions to calculate the percentage reduction based on:

• Threshold: Minimum 73 overnights (20%) to qualify for any credit
• Sliding scale: Credit percentage increases with additional parenting time
• Duplicated costs: Recognizes the paying parent incurs direct expenses during parenting time

Shared Custody Calculations

When parenting time approaches 50/50, Oregon applies a shared custody calculation under OAR 137-050-0740:

• Each parent's obligation is calculated separately
• The difference determines the net support amount
• Higher-earning parent pays the lower-earning parent the difference
• Equal time with similar incomes may result in zero-dollar orders

Self-Support Reserve (SSR)

Oregon's Self-Support Reserve ensures paying parents retain sufficient income for basic living expenses. Effective July 1, 2025:

• SSR amount: $1,522/month (tied to federal poverty guideline)
• Protection: Support reduced so obligor retains at least the SSR after payment
• Minimum order: Presumptive minimum is $100/month
• Hardship exceptions: Courts may reduce even the minimum in documented exceptional circumstances

If the calculated support would leave the obligor with less than $1,522/month, Oregon applies a reduction formula. For example, if a parent earns $2,000/month with a calculated $600 obligation, payment would leave only $1,400 (below the SSR). The court would reduce the obligation to ensure the $1,522 minimum remains.

Estimate Your Oregon Child Support

Use our calculator below for an estimate. For official calculations, use the Oregon DOJ Child Support Calculator, which includes all adjustment factors and current guideline tables.

Add-Ons: Health Insurance and Child Care

Oregon adds certain costs to the basic support obligation:

• Health insurance: "Reasonable" defined as premiums not exceeding 4% of a parent's adjusted income; marginal cost of adding children is factored in
• Unreimbursed medical: Expenses exceeding $250 per year per child are divided proportionally between parents
• Child care: Work-related costs added to basic obligation and shared proportionally; must be reasonable for the geographic area

When private insurance is unavailable or unreasonably expensive, children may be enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan.

Deviations from Guidelines

Under OAR 137-050-0760, courts may deviate from calculated amounts when strict application would be unjust. Factors include:

• Child's special medical, educational, or psychological needs
• Substantial income or resources of the child
• Seasonal variations in a parent's income
• Parent's support of other dependents
• Any factor producing unjust results for either parent or children

Modification Requirements

Oregon allows modifications when circumstances change substantially:

• Threshold: 15% change in calculated support OR $50 change (whichever is less)
• 35-month periodic review: Automatic review available upon request—no changed circumstances required
• Administrative process: Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) can modify without court if parties agree
• Contested: Proceeds through circuit court system

Parents receiving TANF or in the IV-D program receive automatic periodic review eligibility. Private-pay parents can also request review through DCSS if they ever participated in the IV-D program.

Duration of Support

Oregon child support duration depends on the child's circumstances:

• Standard termination: Age 18 (emancipation)
• Child Attending School: Support may extend to age 21 if child is unmarried, enrolled in high school or equivalent program, and making satisfactory progress
• Disabled children: Support may continue beyond 18 for children with disabilities

Enforcement and Arrears Interest

Oregon enforces child support through multiple mechanisms via the Division of Child Support Services:

• Income withholding: Wage garnishment from employers
• Tax intercepts: Federal and state refund offsets
• License suspensions: Driver's, professional, and recreational licenses
• Passport denial: For substantial arrears
• Property liens: Recorded against real and personal property
• Contempt: Court may impose jail time for willful non-payment

Arrears interest: Unpaid child support accrues interest at 9% simple interest per year under ORS 82.010. This adds significantly to arrears over time—parents who fall behind should seek modification promptly.

Oregon participates in the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA), enabling enforcement across state lines when a paying parent relocates.

Practical Steps for Oregon Parents

• Gather documentation: Pay stubs, 2-3 years of tax returns, self-employment records, investment statements
• Track parenting time: Keep accurate overnight records to support parenting-time credit claims
• Document child expenses: Receipts for medical costs, child care, educational expenses
• Determine insurance costs: Calculate the marginal cost of adding children to your health plan
• Consider mediation: Oregon courts encourage mediated agreements for faster, less adversarial resolution

Key Takeaways

• Income Shares model: Combined parental income determines support under OAR 137-050
• $30,000/month cap: Higher incomes require court discretion
• Self-Support Reserve: $1,522/month (July 2025) protects low-income obligors
• $100 minimum: Presumptive minimum order unless exceptional hardship
• 73-overnight threshold: Minimum for parenting-time credit
• 9% arrears interest: Simple annual interest on unpaid support
• Support to 18 or 21: Extended for "Child Attending School"
• 35-month review: Automatic periodic review available on request

For more information about Oregon divorce processes, see our Oregon divorce timeline and filing checklist. For property division information, review our Oregon marital property guide.