Child support formulas, simplified for everyone.
You shouldn't need a law degree to understand your obligations. Get a plain-English, step-by-step breakdown based on your state's current statutes.
Source: OCSS FY 2024 Preliminary Data Report · Preliminary data
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How It Works
Three steps to your estimate
Calculate your exact obligation in under three minutes — no personal information required.
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Every state has unique child support statutes. We use the precise local formula mandated by your jurisdiction.
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Input incomes, parenting time, and deductions in our secure, private calculator interface.
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Compare State Guidelines
See side-by-side differences in calculation methods, requirements, and guidelines across states.
Compare StatesUnderstanding the Law
How Child Support Guidelines Work
Child support calculations vary significantly across the United States. States primarily use two legal models: the Income Shares Model, which estimates the amount parents would have spent on their children if living together, and the Percentage of Income Model, which applies a fixed percentage of the non-custodial parent's income based on the number of children.
Additional factors like parenting time, healthcare costs, and childcare expenses further influence the final obligation. The Support Index is specifically engineered to navigate these complex, state-specific guidelines and provide accurate estimates tailored to your situation.