How child support is calculated

Child support follows a state guideline, and judges depart from it only for stated reasons. States use one of three models.

Income shares

Most states add both parents' incomes, look up what parents at that income usually spend on children, and split the amount by each parent's share of income. The parent with less parenting time usually pays their share to the other.

Percentage of income

A handful of states, including Texas and New York, set support as a percentage of the paying parent's income, rising with the number of children.

Melson formula

Delaware, Hawaii and Montana first set aside a basic amount for each parent's own needs, then apply a percentage to the rest.

What moves the number

• Each parent's gross or net income, including bonuses and self-employment income.
• The number of overnights each parent has. Shared parenting often lowers support.
• Childcare, health insurance and extraordinary medical or school costs, usually shared by income.
• Support for children from other relationships.

Child support is not taxable to the parent who receives it and not deductible for the parent who pays. It can be changed later if circumstances change substantially.

KindSplit's estimator gives a starting range. Your state's official worksheet decides the final figure.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws differ by state and change over time. For advice about your situation, talk to a licensed attorney in your state.