Oregon Child Support Calculator

Calculate child support using Oregon's income shares model with continuous parenting time adjustments

Free calculator based on OAR 137-050-0700 through 137-050-0765, effective July 1, 2025. Oregon uses an income shares model with a combined income schedule up to $30,000/month and a unique sigmoid formula that adjusts support continuously for every overnight — with no step-function threshold. Includes the $1,522/month self-support reserve, health insurance pool-split-credit allocation, and the $100 presumptive minimum order.

Frequently Asked Questions

# Oregon Child Support — Frequently Asked Questions

*Information current as of July 1, 2025. This page explains how Oregon's child support guidelines work in plain language. It is not legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, consult a family law attorney.* ---

How is child support calculated in Oregon?

Oregon uses an **income-shares model**, which means the calculation considers both parents' incomes together. The idea is that a child should receive the same level of financial support they would have had if their parents lived together. Each parent's share of the combined income determines how much of the total support amount each is responsible for — and the parent with the higher share who doesn't have primary physical custody typically makes a payment to the other parent. ---

What counts as income for child support purposes?

Oregon counts most regular sources of money as income, including wages and salary, self-employment earnings, rental income, investment income, trust distributions, workers' compensation, Social Security benefits, veterans' disability benefits, and spousal support you receive from a prior relationship. Income that is **not** counted includes a new spouse or new partner's income, public assistance benefits, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If a court believes a parent is voluntarily not working or is working less than they could be, it may calculate support based on what that parent is capable of earning rather than what they are actually earning. ---

How does parenting time affect the amount of support?

The more time you spend with your child, the lower your support obligation tends to be. Oregon applies this adjustment using a continuous mathematical formula that accounts for every overnight the child spends with each parent — there is no fixed threshold you have to cross to get a reduction. The more nights you have, the greater the credit applied to your share of the basic support amount. ---

Is there a minimum support amount?

Yes. Oregon presumes a minimum order of **$100 per month**. If the guideline calculation produces an amount below $100, the order is typically bumped up to $100 unless a judge finds good reason to deviate. There is one automatic exception: if parents split time exactly equally (182.5 overnights each per year), the minimum does not apply. ---

Is there a maximum support amount?

The support schedule covers combined parental incomes up to **$30,000 per month**. If both parents' combined income exceeds that, the court uses the $30,000 figure to set a baseline and then has discretion to order a higher amount based on the child's needs and the family's circumstances. There is no absolute cap on what a court can order in high-income cases. ---

What if a parent's income is very low?

Oregon protects a low-income parent through a **Self-Support Reserve** — currently **$1,522 per month** (as of July 1, 2025, subject to annual adjustment). A parent's support obligation cannot reduce their take-home income below this amount. If the calculated support would leave the paying parent with less than $1,522, the order is reduced or, in some cases, set to $0. This protection applies to both parents in the calculation. ---

What are "add-ons" and how are they split between parents?

Add-ons are costs on top of the basic support amount. Oregon recognizes two main add-ons: **Health insurance:** If one parent covers the children on their health plan, the cost is divided between both parents in proportion to their incomes. The parent who pays the premium receives a credit for the full premium amount. If neither parent provides health insurance, both parents may be required to contribute a cash medical support amount (up to 4% of each parent's adjusted income) toward future medical costs. **Childcare:** Work-related or school-related childcare costs are also divided between parents in proportion to their incomes. The parent who actually pays for childcare gets a credit against their share. ---

Does having children from another relationship affect my support amount?

Yes. Oregon allows a deduction for "non-joint children" — children you are legally responsible for who are not part of the current case. The deduction is calculated based on your individual income and reduces the income figure used to set your obligation in the current case. This applies independently to each parent. ---

Can a child support order be modified?

Yes. Either parent can ask the court to modify an existing order 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 significant change in parenting time. Oregon also has a periodic review process through the Division of Child Support. Timing matters: modifications generally take effect from the date the request is filed, not from an earlier date when circumstances changed. If you think you qualify for a modification, act promptly. ---

When does child support end in Oregon?

Child support typically ends when a child turns **18**. However, if the child is still attending school (high school or an equivalent program) at age 18, support may continue until the child turns **21** or finishes school, whichever comes first. Support can also end earlier if a child becomes legally emancipated. ---

Where can I get an estimate of my support amount?

Oregon provides a free official online calculator at [oregonchildsupport.gov/calculator](https://oregonchildsupport.gov/calculator). Keep in mind that the calculator gives an estimate based on the information you enter — actual orders may differ based on your specific circumstances, add-ons, deductions, and any deviations a judge considers appropriate. --- *This FAQ provides general information about Oregon's child support guidelines and is not legal advice. Every case is different. Please consult a licensed family law attorney for advice specific to your situation.*

Calculate Child Support in Other States

Free child support calculators for all 50 states coming soon

This calculator provides estimates based on Oregon state guidelines. Actual court orders may differ based on individual circumstances. Consult with a qualified family law attorney for advice specific to your situation.