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Your State-by-State Guide to Child Support Calculators | Accurate Estimates Coast to Coast

18 min read
Gavel representing child support laws
State-by-state guide to child support calculators

Navigating child support can feel overwhelming. Whether you're establishing, modifying, or simply trying to understand a child support order, knowing how amounts are calculated is crucial. Because there's no single federal standard, child support laws vary significantly from state to state. This makes having access to a reliable, state-specific child support calculator essential.

This guide aims to simplify the complexities by providing an overview of how child support is determined across the United States, helping you understand the factors involved and where to find official resources. Getting an accurate child support estimate starts with understanding your state's specific approach.


Why Do Child Support Calculations Vary So Much Between States?

Child support laws are primarily determined at the state level. Each state legislature develops its own guidelines based on economic data, policy considerations, and philosophies about parental responsibility. This results in different formulas, definitions of income, and adjustments considered, leading to potentially different outcomes for families in similar financial situations but living in different states.


Understanding the Main Child Support Calculation Models

While the specifics differ, most states base their calculations on one of a few core models. Understanding these models is the first step in figuring out how to calculate child support in [your state].

1. The Income Shares Model

This is the most common model used in the U.S. The core idea is that children should receive the same proportion of parental income they would have received if the parents lived together. States using this model typically:

  • Calculate the adjusted gross income of both parents.
  • Combine the parents' incomes.
  • Use a state-specific schedule or chart to determine the basic child support obligation based on the combined income and number of children.
  • Prorate the basic obligation between the parents based on their percentage share of the combined income.
  • Make adjustments for additional expenses like health insurance premiums, work-related childcare costs, and sometimes extraordinary medical or educational expenses.

States employing the Income Shares model include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

2. The Percentage of Obligor Income Model

This model calculates child support based on a percentage of the non-custodial parent's (obligor's) income. The percentage typically varies depending on the number of children being supported.

  • Calculates the non-custodial parent's adjusted gross income.
  • Applies a state-set percentage to that income based on the number of children.
  • May include adjustments for healthcare or other specific costs, but the primary driver is the obligor's income.

States using this model include Mississippi, Nevada, South Carolina, and Texas. For example, the Texas child support formula calculator relies heavily on the non-custodial parent's net resources.

3. Hybrid Models (Including the Melson Formula)

Some states use hybrid approaches that combine elements of the other models or add unique factors.

  • Melson Formula: Used by Delaware, this formula first ensures each parent has a minimum amount for self-support before calculating the child's primary needs and then applying a Standard of Living Adjustment (SOLA) based on remaining parental income.
  • Other Hybrids: States like Alaska (for primary custody), North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin use variations that might resemble a percentage model for certain custody types but incorporate income sharing principles or specific adjustments for shared parenting or low/high incomes. For instance, the Michigan child support income shares model is technically an Income Shares model but has specific calculations based on parenting time overnights.

Key Factors Influencing Child Support Calculations

Regardless of the model, several common factors influence the final child support amount:

  • Parental Income: This is the cornerstone of most calculations. States have specific definitions of "gross income" and allowable deductions to arrive at "net" or "adjusted gross income". Income can be imputed if a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.
  • Number of Children: Support obligations generally increase with the number of children being supported.
  • Parenting Time/Custody Arrangements: Many states adjust support based on the number of overnights the child spends with each parent, especially in shared custody situations. States like Florida require specific time-sharing percentages (e.g., 20%) to trigger adjustments.
  • Health Insurance Costs: The cost of the child's portion of health insurance premiums is almost always factored in and allocated between parents.
  • Childcare Costs: Work-related or education-related childcare expenses are often added to the basic obligation and prorated.
  • Other Expenses: Some states allow adjustments for extraordinary medical expenses, educational costs, or long-distance travel for visitation.
  • Existing Obligations: Support paid for children from other relationships is often deducted from gross income.

State-Specific Child Support Guidelines and Calculators

Finding accurate information requires consulting your specific state's resources. Many states provide official online calculators or worksheets. Using a free child support calculator from an official source is the best way to get a reliable estimate. Below are links to official guideline information or calculators for each state, based on our research:

StateOfficial Child Support Guidelines/Calculator URL
AlabamaSchedule / Form CS-42
AlaskaCivil Rule 90.3
Arizona2022 Guidelines / Calculator
ArkansasChart / Guidelines Page (Link May Be Inaccessible)
CaliforniaCalculator
ColoradoCalculator Access / Guidelines (JDF 1822)
ConnecticutGuidelines PDF
DelawareCalculator & Info / Instructions
FloridaStatute 61.30
GeorgiaCalculator / Statute
HawaiiGuidelines PDF
IdahoRules & Forms / Schedule
IllinoisEstimator / Schedule
IndianaGuidelines Rules / Calculator
IowaGuidelines/Schedule / Estimator
KansasGuidelines PDF (2024)
KentuckyCalculator / Table
LouisianaWorksheet A / Estimator
MaineWorksheet / Schedule
MarylandWorksheets & Calculator
MassachusettsGuidelines & Worksheet
MichiganManual / Calculator
MinnesotaCalculator / Statute
MississippiGuidelines PDF
MissouriForm 14 Info / CSE Program
MontanaGuidelines (ARM) / Tables
NebraskaGuidelines Rules / Calculator
NevadaStatute (NAC 425) / Calculator
New HampshireGuidelines Page / Calculator
New JerseyCourt Rules (Appendix IX-A) / Guidelines Info
New MexicoWorksheet / Statutes
New YorkChart / Calculator
North CarolinaGuidelines & Worksheets
North DakotaGuidelines PDF / Calculator (Excel)
OhioCalculator / Manual (JFS 07766)
OklahomaStatute § 119 (Schedule) / Forms & Calculator
OregonCalculator / Guidelines Info
PennsylvaniaGuidelines Info (PaCourts) / Schedule (Rule 1910.16-3)
Rhode IslandGuideline Worksheet Schedule (2023)
South CarolinaCalculator / Guidelines Info
South DakotaStatute (Chapter 25-7) / Calculator
TennesseeCalculator & Worksheets / Guidelines Rules
TexasCalculator / Statutes (Chapter 154)
UtahCalculator / Statutes (Title 81, Ch 6, Pt 3)
VermontCalculator / Tables
VirginiaCalculator / Statute (§ 20-108.2)
WashingtonCalculator & Worksheet / Statute (§ 26.19.071)
West VirginiaSchedule (§ 48-13-301) / Estimator (External)
WisconsinTools & Calculators / Appendix B (DCF 150)
WyomingCalculator / Statutes (Title 20, Ch 2)

Disclaimer

The links provided are based on research conducted up to April 2025. State websites and guidelines may change. Always consult the official state resources or a legal professional for the most current information.


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**Important Disclaimer:**

This calculator is for educational purposes only and provides only rough estimates that might vary significantly from official state calculations. Official calculations include many additional factors not included here. This tool does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon for any important decisions. For accurate calculations, please consult a family law attorney or your state's official child support agency.

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The Need for an Accurate Child Support Calculator

As you can see, calculating child support involves complex formulas and numerous variables that differ significantly by state. Using an outdated or generic calculator can lead to inaccurate estimates, causing confusion and potential financial hardship. Whether you are navigating an uncontested divorce child support calculator scenario or a more complex modification, accuracy matters.

A reliable child support payment calculator designed for your specific state incorporates the correct guidelines, income definitions, and adjustments. It simplifies the process, providing a clearer picture of potential obligations or entitlements.

Ready to get a state-specific estimate? Try our free online divorce calculator which includes child support estimations based on your state's guidelines.

Remember, while calculators provide valuable estimates, the final child support order is determined by the court based on the specific facts of your case. If you have questions about child support laws by state or need legal advice, consulting with a qualified family law attorney in your jurisdiction is always recommended.

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