Child Support Estimator

Get a rough estimate of child support based on your state's model. This is an educational tool — actual amounts are set by courts.

This calculator provides estimates only. Child support is determined by courts applying your state's specific guidelines. Consult a family law attorney for accurate calculations.

$
$

Income Shares model only

%

% of overnights (typical: 20% = every other weekend)

$

Insurance premiums for child only

$

Daycare, after-school care

Base Support

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Before adjustments

Healthcare Add

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Non-custodial share

Childcare Add

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Non-custodial share

Est. Monthly Total

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Combined obligations

Income Shares Model

Used by ~40 states. Both parents' incomes are combined to find total "available income for the child." The guideline table sets a base support amount. Each parent contributes proportionally based on their share of combined income. The non-custodial parent pays their proportion to the custodial parent.

Percentage of Income Model

Used by Texas, Wisconsin, and several other states. Only the paying parent's income matters. Support is a fixed percentage: 1 child = 20%, 2 children = 25%, 3 = 30%, 4 = 35%, 5+ = 40% of net income.

Texas Percentage Guidelines

Children % of Net Income
120%
225%
330%
435%
5+40%

Disclaimer: This is an educational estimate only. Courts apply state-specific worksheets, local rules, and judicial discretion. Consult a licensed family law attorney in your state for accurate guidance.

U.S. Child Support in Numbers

The U.S. Census 2021 Child Support Report found 13.6 million custodial parents in the U.S., 49.4% of whom had a formal child-support agreement. Total support owed was $32.3 billion; $25.1 billion (77.7%) was actually received. Median annual amount received was $3,500 — $292/month — far below what guideline calculators typically produce, reflecting the gap between orders and collection.

Every state uses one of three models: Income Shares (41 states, including CA/NY/TX/FL), Percentage of Income (6 states including Alaska, Illinois, Wisconsin), or Melson (3 states: Delaware, Hawaii, Montana). The Income Shares model combines both parents' income, pro-rates support obligation, and assigns each parent a share — Texas uses straight percentage: 20% of net income for one child, 25% for two, rising to 40% for six+.

Collection rates vary widely by state. The OCSE 2022 Federal Preliminary Data Report shows collection rates ranging from 44% (Alabama, Nevada) to 85%+ (Pennsylvania, South Dakota) — a 40 percentage point spread. Wage withholding accounts for 75% of all collections nationally. Back-support (arrears) totaled $113.7 billion across active cases in 2022, most of which is uncollectable due to incarceration, unemployment, or deceased obligors.

Sources: Census 2021 Child Support Report, OCSE Preliminary Data Report 2022, state statutory formulas

Frequently Asked Questions

How is child support calculated?
Most states use the Income Shares model: both parents' incomes are combined, and each contributes proportionally. A support guideline table converts the combined income to a base support amount, then each parent pays their share based on income percentage. The non-custodial parent typically pays their share to the custodial parent.
What income is included?
All income sources count: wages, salary, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, rental income, investments, and even unemployment benefits. Some states impute income if a parent is voluntarily unemployed.
Can child support be modified?
Yes, if there's a "substantial change in circumstances" — usually a 10-15% change in income, custody changes, or new children. Either parent can petition the court for modification. Orders typically auto-review every 3 years in many states.
Does custody percentage affect support?
Yes significantly. States calculate parenting time (overnights) and reduce support obligations as the non-custodial parent spends more time with the child. At 50/50 custody, support may be minimal or zero depending on the income gap.

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