⚖️ Income Shares Model · 43 States

Free Child Support Calculator

Estimate monthly child support payments instantly — based on your state's income shares guidelines

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Parents' Gross Monthly Income
$
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$
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Children & Custody
Additional Costs (Optional)
$
$
$
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✅ Based on the Income Shares Model
⚖️ Used by 43 US States
Estimated Monthly Payment
$0.00
per month

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Calculation Step Amount

This is an estimate only. Consult a family law attorney for legal advice. Actual amounts may vary based on state-specific guidelines and individual circumstances.

Simple Process

How the Calculator Works

Get your child support estimate in three straightforward steps — no account needed, no personal data stored.

1

Enter Both Parents' Income

Input the gross monthly income for both parents. Gross income includes wages, salaries, self-employment income, bonuses, rental income, and other sources before tax deductions. Accurate income figures produce the most reliable estimate.

2

Select Your State and Custody Type

Choose your state from the dropdown — each state has its own income schedule built into our calculator. Then select the custody arrangement that best reflects your situation: sole, primary, or shared custody will all produce different payment estimates.

3

Get Your Instant Estimate

Click Calculate to instantly see your estimated monthly child support payment, which parent pays, the annual total, and a full breakdown showing exactly how the figure was arrived at. You can adjust inputs and recalculate as many times as you need.

Understanding the Model

How Is Child Support Calculated in the US?

Child support in the United States is determined by state-specific guidelines, and the most widely used method is the Income Shares Model. This child support calculator is based on that model, which is used in approximately 43 states including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and many others.

The core idea behind how child support is calculated under the Income Shares Model is straightforward: both parents' gross monthly incomes are combined to estimate the total household income. A state-published guidelines table then determines the basic child support obligation — representing what the couple would have spent on the child if they remained together.

Each parent is then assigned a proportional share of that obligation based on their individual income. The non-custodial parent pays their share directly to the custodial parent. In shared custody situations, both parents' obligations are calculated and offset against each other.

Beyond the basic obligation, child support guidelines by state typically allow courts to add costs for childcare (such as daycare or after-school programs), the child's health insurance premiums, extraordinary medical expenses, and sometimes educational costs. These additional expenses are also divided proportionally.

The remaining states use the Percentage of Income Model — used in Texas, Wisconsin, and a handful of others — which calculates support as a flat percentage of the non-custodial parent's income only, without factoring in the other parent's earnings.

43 US states use the Income Shares Model for child support calculations
~$430 Average monthly child support payment in the United States (US Census Bureau)
18 Age at which child support typically ends in most US states
All 50 States

Child Support Calculator by State

Our calculator accounts for each state's income guidelines. Select your state in the calculator above, or browse by state below.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions about child support calculations, guidelines, and enforcement in the United States.

How is child support calculated?

Child support is typically calculated using either the Income Shares Model or the Percentage of Income Model, depending on the state. Under the Income Shares Model — used by most states — both parents' gross incomes are combined to determine a basic support obligation from state guidelines tables. Each parent then contributes proportionally to their share of the combined income. Adjustments are made for custody arrangements, childcare costs, health insurance premiums, and other factors. Our calculator uses the Income Shares Model and applies state-specific income multipliers to estimate your monthly obligation.

What is the income shares model?

The Income Shares Model is a child support calculation method that considers both parents' incomes to estimate how much would have been spent on the child if the family had remained intact. The combined income is used to look up a basic support obligation from state-specific guidelines tables. Each parent is then responsible for their proportional share of that obligation. The non-custodial parent pays their share to the custodial parent. This model, used in approximately 43 states, is widely regarded as more equitable because it accounts for the financial contributions of both parents.

Can child support be modified?

Yes, child support orders can be modified if there has been a substantial change in circumstances — such as a significant change in either parent's income, a change in the child's needs, or a change in the custody arrangement. Either parent can petition the court for a modification. Most states allow review of child support orders every three years, or sooner if there is a significant change in circumstances. Courts will evaluate whether the existing order should be updated based on current incomes and applicable guidelines. You should contact a family law attorney or your state's child support agency to initiate a modification.

Does child support cover college expenses?

Standard child support obligations typically end when a child reaches the age of majority (18 in most states, 21 in some). Whether child support extends to cover college expenses depends on the state and the specific court order. Some states — such as Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Indiana — allow courts to order parents to contribute to college costs, while others do not recognize this obligation once the child is an adult. If both parents agreed to cover college expenses in a divorce settlement or parenting plan, that agreement may be enforceable. Consult a family law attorney in your state for specific guidance on post-secondary education support.

What happens if child support is not paid?

Failure to pay court-ordered child support can result in serious legal consequences. Enforcement measures available to states include: automatic wage garnishment, interception of federal and state tax refunds, suspension of driver's licenses and professional licenses, seizure of bank accounts and other assets, placement on the federal child support delinquency database, negative credit reporting, and contempt of court charges which can result in fines or imprisonment. The federal Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) coordinates enforcement efforts across state lines when parents live in different states. If you are owed unpaid support, contact your state's child support enforcement agency for help collecting it.

How long does child support last?

Child support typically lasts until the child turns 18 years old and graduates from high school. In some states, support continues until age 19 or 21 if the child is still enrolled in school. Support may also end earlier in cases of emancipation — if the child gets married, joins the military, or is declared legally independent by a court. In cases involving children with physical or cognitive disabilities, support may continue beyond the age of majority in certain circumstances. The specific duration depends on your state's statutes and the terms of your existing court order.

Is child support taxable income?

Under current federal tax law, child support is neither taxable income for the parent who receives it nor tax-deductible for the parent who pays it. This applies regardless of the amount. Child support is treated differently from alimony (spousal support). For divorces finalized before January 1, 2019, alimony was deductible for the payer and taxable to the recipient; for divorces after that date, alimony is no longer deductible under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Always consult a qualified tax professional regarding your specific situation, as individual circumstances can affect your tax obligations.

What is the average child support payment in the US?

According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the average monthly child support payment in the United States is approximately $430 per month, though this varies significantly by state, income levels, number of children, and custody arrangements. High-income households typically pay considerably more. States like Massachusetts, New Jersey, Connecticut, and New York tend to have higher average payments due to elevated income levels and cost of living, while some Southern and Midwestern states may see lower averages. The total amount owed, however, does not always match what is actually paid — only about 68% of owed child support is actually collected, according to federal data. Use our free child support calculator above to get a personalized estimate based on your specific income and custody situation.

⚖️ Important Disclaimer

This calculator provides estimates only and is not legal advice. Child support laws vary significantly by state, and actual amounts are determined by courts based on individual circumstances, verified income documentation, and applicable state guidelines at the time of the order. The calculations produced by this tool are approximations based on generalized income shares schedules and may not reflect your state's exact current guidelines.

Always consult a licensed family law attorney in your state before making any legal or financial decisions regarding child support. An attorney can review your specific situation and provide guidance based on the current laws and guidelines in your jurisdiction.