Child Support Calculator

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Child Support Calculator
1 Child2 Children3 Children4 Children5 or More Children
Results:
function calculateSupport(){var p1=parseFloat(document.getElementById('p1_income').value);var p2=parseFloat(document.getElementById('p2_income').value);var costs=parseFloat(document.getElementById('add_costs').value);var multiplier=parseFloat(document.getElementById('child_count').value);var showSteps=document.getElementById('steps').checked;if(isNaN(p1)||isNaN(p2)){alert('Please enter valid monthly income amounts.');return;}if(isNaN(costs)){costs=0;}var totalIncome=p1+p2;var basicObligation=totalIncome*multiplier;var totalObligation=basicObligation+costs;var p1Share=(p1/totalIncome)*totalObligation;var p2Share=(p2/totalIncome)*totalObligation;document.getElementById('summaryResult').innerHTML='Parent 1 Share: $'+p1Share.toFixed(2)+'
Parent 2 Share: $'+p2Share.toFixed(2);if(showSteps){document.getElementById('breakdownDetails').innerHTML='

Step-by-Step Calculation:
1. Combined Monthly Income: $'+totalIncome.toFixed(2)+'
2. Basic Support Rate: '+(multiplier*100)+'%
3. Basic Obligation: $'+basicObligation.toFixed(2)+'
4. Total Obligation (incl. costs): $'+totalObligation.toFixed(2)+'
5. Parent 1 Income Share: '+((p1/totalIncome)*100).toFixed(1)+'%
6. Parent 2 Income Share: '+((p2/totalIncome)*100).toFixed(1)+'%

';}else{document.getElementById('breakdownDetails').innerHTML=";}document.getElementById('calculatorAnswer').style.display='block';}

Using the Child Support Calculator

This child support calculator is designed to provide an estimate of monthly support obligations using the Income Shares Model. This model is based on the concept that a child should receive the same proportion of parental income that they would have received if the parents lived together.

To get the most accurate estimate, ensure you have the gross monthly income (before taxes) for both parents, as well as monthly costs for health insurance and work-related childcare.

Monthly Gross Income
The total income earned before taxes, including wages, bonuses, commissions, and social security benefits.
Number of Children
Select the total number of children shared between the two parents that are under the age of 18 (or 19 if still in high school).
Childcare & Health Costs
Monthly expenditures specifically for work-related daycare or medical insurance premiums for the children.

How It Works

While every state has unique laws, most child support calculators use a variation of the following mathematical logic. The system combines the income of both parents, applies a percentage based on the number of children, and then divides that total proportional to each parent's contribution to the total income.

Individual Share = (Combined Gross Income × Child %) × (Parental Income Proportion)

  • Combined Gross Income: The sum of both parents' monthly earnings.
  • Child Percentage: A standardized rate (e.g., 20% for one child, 28% for two) based on state economic studies.
  • Proportional Share: If Parent A earns 60% of the total income, they are typically responsible for 60% of the total support amount.

Calculation Example

Example Scenario: Two parents have two children together. Parent 1 earns $5,000 per month. Parent 2 earns $3,000 per month. There are $200 in monthly childcare costs.

Step-by-step solution:

  1. Combined Monthly Income: $5,000 + $3,000 = $8,000
  2. Income Split: Parent 1 (62.5%) / Parent 2 (37.5%)
  3. Basic Support Rate for 2 children (28%): $8,000 × 0.28 = $2,240
  4. Total Obligation: $2,240 + $200 (Childcare) = $2,440
  5. Parent 1 Share: $2,440 × 0.625 = $1,525.00
  6. Parent 2 Share: $2,440 × 0.375 = $915.00

Common Questions

Is this child support calculator legally binding?

No. This calculator is for estimation and educational purposes only. Courts may deviate from standard formulas based on parenting time schedules, extraordinary medical needs, or other specific circumstances.

What if I have shared custody?

Many states apply a "custody multiplier" if both parents spend more than a certain percentage of time (often 35-50%) with the child. This usually results in a lower support payment for the non-custodial parent as they are directly paying for the child's needs during their time.

Does child support include college tuition?

In most states, the child support calculator only accounts for support until the child turns 18 or graduates high school. College expenses are usually handled via separate agreements or specific court orders depending on state jurisdiction.

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