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A child support calculator estimates monthly payments using the income shares model, which bases the obligation on both parents’ combined income and the proportion each contributes. Most US states use this approach to ensure the child receives the same share of parental income they would have if the household were intact.

Công thức

Each Parent’s Obligation = (Parent Income / Combined Income) × Basic Support Obligation – Credits

I_a: Parent A Income ($/month) — Gross or net monthly income of the paying parent
I_b: Parent B Income ($/month) — Gross or net monthly income of the receiving parent
BSO: Basic Support Obligation ($/month) — Amount from the state guideline schedule for combined income and number of children
C: Credits ($/month) — Deductions for health insurance, childcare, and parenting time

Hướng dẫn từng bước

1Determine each parent’s gross or net monthly income (varies by state)
2Combine both incomes and look up the Basic Support Obligation from the state guideline table
3Divide the obligation proportionally based on each parent’s share of combined income
4Apply adjustments for healthcare premiums, childcare costs, and parenting time credits

Ví dụ có lời giải

đầu vào

Parent A earns $5,000/mo, Parent B earns $3,000/mo, one child

Kết quả

Combined $8,000 → guideline obligation ~$1,100. Parent A owes 62.5% = $687.50/mo

đầu vào

Combined income $12,000/mo, two children, Parent A earns 70%

Kết quả

Guideline ~$1,800. Parent A share = $1,260/mo before credits

Lỗi thường gặp cần tránh

✕Using gross income when the state requires net income (or vice versa)
✕Forgetting to include overtime, bonuses, and self-employment income
✕Not adjusting for the number of overnights each parent has

Câu hỏi thường gặp

Does child support cover college tuition?

In most states, child support ends at 18 or high school graduation. A few states (like New York and New Jersey) can order support through college under certain conditions.

Can child support be modified?

Yes. Either parent can petition for modification when there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as a job loss, significant raise, or change in custody arrangement.

Is child support taxable?

No. Child support payments are not taxable income to the recipient and not deductible by the payer under current federal tax law.

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