Child Support Is a Formula, Not a Negotiation
Most parents going through a divorce don't realize that child support isn't up for debate the way custody is. Almost every state uses a statutory formula. While courts generally follow the formula, they retain discretion to deviate based on factors like imputed income, special needs, or extraordinary expenses.
This means you can calculate your likely child support obligation before you ever set foot in a courtroom. Knowing the number in advance gives you a massive advantage in negotiating a settlement.
The Two Main Models
Income Shares Model (43 states)
The income shares model is used by the majority of states. It works like this:
- Calculate both parents' gross monthly income
- Deduct existing support orders and certain expenses to get net income
- Combine both parents' net incomes
- Look up the Basic Child Support Obligation (BCSO) for your combined income and number of children
- Each parent pays their proportional share of the BCSO
- The non-custodial parent's share becomes the support payment
States using income shares include California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and most others.
Percentage of Income Model (7 states)
Alaska, Arkansas, Mississippi, Nevada, North Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin use a simpler model: the non-custodial parent pays a fixed percentage of their net income, regardless of the custodial parent's income.
Texas, for example, uses 20% for one child, 25% for two children, 30% for three, up to 40% for five or more.
What Increases Child Support
- Higher income disparity — the larger the gap between parents' incomes, the higher the support
- Less parenting time — less time with the children generally means higher payments
- More children — each additional child increases the obligation
- Childcare costs — work-related childcare is added to the base obligation
- Medical insurance — the cost of the children's health insurance is factored in
What Decreases Child Support
- More parenting time — most states reduce support when the non-custodial parent has 30%+ of overnights
- Existing support orders — court-ordered support for other children is deducted from income
- Self-paid insurance — if you pay for the children's health insurance, this reduces your net obligation
How to Calculate Your Amount
CoreParent's child support calculator covers all 50 states and uses each state's actual statutory formula. Enter both parents' incomes, custody percentages, and expense information to get a preliminary estimate in minutes — for free.
The calculator also accounts for childcare costs, health insurance premiums, existing support orders, and extraordinary expenses. It applies each state's statutory formula to give you a starting point — attorneys additionally consider jurisdiction-specific factors, deviation grounds, and case circumstances that go beyond the formula. Always consult a licensed family law attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Important Caveat
These calculations are estimates. Actual court orders can vary based on imputed income (if a judge believes a parent is voluntarily underemployed), special needs children, very high or low income situations, and other factors. Always consult a family law attorney for advice specific to your situation.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Child support calculations vary by state and individual circumstances. Consult a licensed family law attorney for guidance specific to your situation.