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Child Support Calculator

Estimate monthly child support payments using the income shares model, the framework used in roughly 40 U.S. states. The calculator combines both parents' gross monthly income, applies a basic support obligation based on the number of children, adds healthcare and childcare costs, and assigns each parent a share proportional to their income — with an adjustment for shared custody time.

Family & Income Information

For reference. This calculator uses a generic income-shares formula.
50%
Premiums and uninsured medical for the children.
Work-related daycare, after-school care.
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Legal Disclaimer: Child support calculations vary significantly by state. Many jurisdictions adjust for self-support reserves, prior-order support, extraordinary medical or educational expenses, and high-income deviations. This calculator uses a simplified income-shares formula and does not substitute for your state's official worksheet. Verify with your state's child support guidelines or a family law attorney.

The Income Shares Model

Under the income shares model, courts estimate what the parents would have spent on the children if the family remained intact, then divide that total obligation between the parents in proportion to each parent's income. The non-custodial parent typically pays their share to the custodial parent. When parenting time is roughly equal, many states apply a shared-custody adjustment that reduces the payment.

About a dozen states use a different framework called the percentage of obligor income model, which calculates support solely from the paying parent's income. A handful of states use the Melson formula. Always check your state's specific approach.