Whether you are newly divorced or had a child outside a committed relationship, child support is a term you may already be interacting with as you navigate parenthood separately.
Child support laws can be complex to understand and sometimes confusing if you lack the proper knowledge. For instance, minor child support is calculated by taking into account the time each parent spends with the child, how much both parents earn, and the difference between their income.
If not well executed, the non-custodial parent may feel used while the custodial parent feels exploited. Child support entails the ongoing need for both parents to provide financial care to a minor child. The obligor or the parent making payments sends money to the obligee or the parent receiving the money to use as they see fit for the child's well-being.
In this article, we will provide you with the guidelines for the 50 states, discuss how child support works, and generally look at how much all of this costs.
TAKEAWAYS
- Child support is based on parental income, custody time, and state-specific models.
- The process involves opening a case, confirming paternity, obtaining a support order, payments, and enforcement.
- Adjustments are allowed for financial changes.
- States follow federal rules but have unique guidelines. Support usually ends at 18 or high school graduation, with exceptions for disabilities or education.
- Child support ensures a child’s needs and differs from alimony, which supports a former spouse.
How Does Child Support Work?
When children are involved, a well-formulated divorce agreement often contains a section about child support. Child support laws differ by state, and the court uses these specific guidelines to determine the payment amount the obligor must provide. The non-custodial parent usually agrees to make these payments to the obligee once the divorce agreement is finalized.
It is important to note that while a divorce agreement frequently contains a clause on child support, a prenuptial agreement cannot include this information.
In some instances, the non-custodial parent may fail to take responsibility for child support, forcing the custodial parent to take legal action. Depending on your situation, the following are the steps you can take to ask for support legally:
- Open a minor child support case
- Locate the other parent (confirm paternity if need be)
- Take a child support order (establishes the amount the parent must pay each month)
- Set up a payment method
- Enforce child support
- Review the order when either parent's financial situation changes
Child Support Laws By State
Each state formulates its child support guidelines but has to adopt some federal regulations found in the Child Support Enforcement Act. Afterward, the state is expected to follow up and ensure the parents follow the child support laws. The following table presents an exhaustive list of all 50 states' child support guidelines.
Guidelines Description
Below you can find a brief explanation of how child support guidelines work in each state:
Alabama
The Department of Human Resources enforces child support obligations in Alabama. Courts can modify support payments, either increasing or decreasing the amount, until the child reaches 19 years old, allowing for adjustments based on changing circumstances.
Child support amounts are determined using the Alabama Child Support Guidelines, although courts may deviate from these guidelines when they find it appropriate to do so.
Alaska
In this state, courts cannot mandate parents to cover post-secondary education expenses once a child reaches the age of majority. Child support obligations typically end when the child turns 18, or 19 if they're still in high school and living with a custodial parent.
The amount of support is calculated using the Flat Percentage of Income model, which determines payments based on a fixed percentage of the non-custodial parent's income.
Arizona
The court is not permitted to require parents to cover the costs of their child's college education. Child support payments end when the child reaches 18 years of age or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later.
The Income Shares Model, which calculates support based on the combined gross income of both parents, is used to determine the guidelines for child support in this state.
Arkansas
In this state, parents cannot be legally obligated to fund their children's college education. Child support obligations cease when the child turns 18 or completes high school, whichever happens later.
The state employs the Varying Percentage of Income Model for calculating child support, where the non-custodial parent's responsibility is determined as a percentage of their net income. Notably, this percentage decreases as the parent's income increases.
California
The state's child support system employs an Income Shares Model as part of its Statewide Uniform Guidelines, explicitly factoring in the time each parent spends with the child. A unique feature of this system is the explicit link between custody and financial support.
Courts have the authority to order financial compensation to a parent if the other consistently fails to fulfill their caretaking responsibilities.
Additional compensation may be awarded if one parent repeatedly obstructs the other's attempts to exercise their custody or visitation rights. These provisions are explicitly stated in the court's child support order.
Colorado
Parents are not legally obligated to cover the costs of their children's college education in this state. The Income Shares model, which considers the gross income of both parents, forms the basis for the Child Support Guidelines.
Support payments typically end when the child reaches 18 years of age or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later.
Connecticut
In this state, child support obligations cease when the child turns 18 years old. The calculation of support payments is based on the Income Shares Model, which takes into account the net income of both parents.
These guidelines form the foundation for determining child support amounts in the state's legal system.
Delaware
In Delaware, courts have the discretion to deviate from standard guidelines if they determine them to be "unjust or inappropriate" for a particular case.
The state employs the Melson Formula for calculating child support, a method that primarily considers the net available income of both parents. This formula serves as the foundation for determining support obligations in Delaware's family court system.
District of Columbia
In this jurisdiction, a child has a statutory right to receive support until they reach 21 years of age. The child support guidelines used here are a unique hybrid model, combining elements from both the income shares and percentage of income approaches.
The calculation of support is based on the gross incomes of both parties, while also incorporating a self-support reserve for each parent to ensure their own financial stability.
Florida
Support obligations in this state typically end when the child turns 18, or 19 if they graduate high school by that time. The state employs the Income Shares Model for its Child Support Guidelines, basing calculations on the parents' net income.
In addition to the basic support award, the guidelines factor in health insurance, childcare, and education expenses to determine the total support amount.
Georgia
In this state, child support is governed by statute. The calculation of support follows the flat-percentage-of-income model, which is based on the gross income of the paying parent.
Most additional expenses, such as healthcare or education costs, are considered deviation factors that may lead to adjustments in the standard support amount.
Hawaii
The Melson Formula is used in the guidelines established by court rules. Support calculations are based on net income and consider allowances for household members.
Idaho
Based on the Income Shares model, Idaho's child support guidelines prioritize child support over the needs of parents or creditors when allocating family resources.
Illinois
Statutory child support guidelines use a flat-percentage-of-income model, calculated based on net income.
Indiana
Outlined in the Indiana Rules of Court, child support guidelines follow the Income Shares Model, which is based on gross income.
These guidelines may also cover expenses necessary for a child's education, including post-majority education.
Iowa
Enacted by the Iowa Supreme Court through court rule, the child support guidelines are based on the Income Shares Model, which relies on gross income.
Kansas
The obligation for the parent paying child support continues until the child reaches 18 years of age, or 19 if they are still attending high school.
For its child support guidelines, Kansas employs the Income Shares model.
Kentucky
Established by statute, the child support guidelines follow the Income Shares Model, which is based on gross income.
These guidelines may also cover amounts necessary for a child's education, including education beyond the age of majority.
Louisiana
Statutory child support guidelines are derived from the Income Shares Model and consider the gross income of the parents.
Maine
Statutory in nature, child support guidelines are based on the Income Shares Model and rely on gross income.
Maryland
Outlined by statute, the child support guidelines are based on the Income Shares Model and rely on gross income.
Massachusetts
The Child Support Guidelines in Massachusetts are detailed in the Court Rules and issued by the Supreme Judicial Court. They utilize a hybrid approach combining the Percentage of Income Model with the Income Shares Model.
Calculations for support are based on the gross income of the noncustodial parent, adjusted by a percentage of the custodial parent's income above a specific minimum. Educational support for the child is provided up to age 21.
Michigan
The guidelines, outlined in the Michigan Friend of Court Child Support Manual, follow the Income Shares Model and are calculated using each parent's net income.
Child support payments are processed through the Friend of the Court Bureau.
Minnesota
Based on net income, child support guidelines use the Varying Percentage of Income formula.
Mississippi
Using the Flat Percentage of Income Model, child support guidelines are calculated based on net income.
Missouri
Calculated on gross income, child support guidelines are based on the Income Shares Formula.
Montana
The child support guidelines use the Melson Formula and are calculated based on net income as outlined in the Montana Administrative Rules.
Nebraska
Contained in the Rules of the Supreme Court, child support guidelines were established by court rule.
They are based on the Income Shares Formula and calculated using net income.
Nevada
The Varying Percentage of Income Model forms the basis for child support guidelines, where support is determined by applying a percentage to the obligor's gross income, with the percentage decreasing as income increases.
New Hampshire
Outlined by statute, child support amounts are determined using the Income Shares Model, which is based on net income.
New Jersey
Contained in New Jersey Court Rules, the child support guidelines are based on the Income Shares Model and calculated using net income.
New Mexico
Based on the Income Shares Model, child support guidelines are calculated using gross income.
New York
Using the Income Shares Model, child support guidelines are calculated based on net income.
North Carolina
Calculated on gross income, child support guidelines are based on the Income Shares Model.
North Dakota
Child support amounts are determined using a percentage of the obligor's income.
Ohio
Based on the Income Shares Model, child support guidelines are calculated using net income.
Support terminates at age 18 or upon high school graduation, whichever is later.
Oklahoma
The obligation ends when the child turns 18, or up to age 20 if they are still in high school.
Child support amounts are calculated using the Income Shares Model.
Oregon
Calculated on gross income, the child support guidelines are based on the Income Shares Formula.
Pennsylvania
Support may extend beyond age 18 if the child has specific physical or emotional challenges or disabilities.
To calculate child support amounts, Pennsylvania uses the Income Shares Model.
Rhode Island
If an obligor is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, support is determined based on potential income.
Child support amounts are calculated using the Income Shares Model.
South Carolina
Child support amounts are calculated employing the Income Shares Model.
Tennessee
The obligor must provide support until the child either turns 18 or graduates from high school.
Child support amounts are calculated using the Income Shares Model.
Texas
Support ends at age 18 or upon high school graduation, whichever comes later. There is no statutory or case law requirement for college support.
Child support guidelines are based on a percentage of the noncustodial parent's net income.
Utah
Based on the Income Shares Model, child support guidelines are calculated using gross income.
Support ends when the child turns 18 or graduates from high school. However, in a divorce action, the court may extend support until the child reaches 21.
Vermont
To determine child support amounts, Vermont employs the Income Shares Model.
Virginia
The obligor must pay support until the child either turns 19 or graduates from high school.
Child support amounts are calculated using the Income Shares Model.
Washington
To calculate child support amounts, Washington uses the Income Shares Model.
West Virginia
Support ends at age 18, or at 20 if the child is still in secondary school. The court may also grant support for college tuition.
Based on the Income Shares Model, child support guidelines are calculated using adjusted gross income.
Wisconsin
The guidelines for child support are determined by a percentage of the obligor's income.
Wyoming
To calculate child support amounts, Wyoming uses the Income Shares Model.
Child Support Official Laws
The following table presents an exhaustive list of all 50 states' child support guidelines.
Even with these guidelines, most courts allow parents to agree on how much child support will change hands. A divorce agreement with a child support section makes the process easy and less stressful.
Start your Divorce Agreement now
Helpful Resources:
Citizen's Guide To U.S. Federal Law On Child Support Enforcement - Department of Justice
Child Support Enforcement - Department of Justice
Custodial Mothers and Fathers and Their Child Support: 2015 - US Census
FAQs
-
How Much Is Child Support?
Child support payments in the U.S. typically range from $402 to $1200, with an average of $480. The amount is primarily calculated based on the gross incomes of both parents after deductions like health care premiums.
Additional income sources such as commissions, social security benefits, and bonuses are also considered. Generally, the higher-earning parent pays more, even in joint custody situations. Courts factor in not just basic necessities but also reasonable needs like education, entertainment, and extracurricular activities to ensure the child's overall well-being.
-
Is child support the same as alimony?
Child support and alimony differ in purpose: alimony supports the living standards of a former spouse, while child support ensures the child's well-being. Courts do not monitor how child support is spent, which can lead to perceptions of it being like alimony.
The Federal Child Support Enactment Act mandates guidelines for determining payments, with states using models like the Income Shares Model, Percentage of Income Model, and Melson Formula to calculate amounts based on parental income and needs.
Table of Contents:
Table of Contents:
Whether you are newly divorced or had a child outside a committed relationship, child support is a term you may already be interacting with as you navigate parenthood separately.
Child support laws can be complex to understand and sometimes confusing if you lack the proper knowledge. For instance, minor child support is calculated by taking into account the time each parent spends with the child, how much both parents earn, and the difference between their income.
If not well executed, the non-custodial parent may feel used while the custodial parent feels exploited. Child support entails the ongoing need for both parents to provide financial care to a minor child. The obligor or the parent making payments sends money to the obligee or the parent receiving the money to use as they see fit for the child's well-being.
In this article, we will provide you with the guidelines for the 50 states, discuss how child support works, and generally look at how much all of this costs.
TAKEAWAYS
- Child support is based on parental income, custody time, and state-specific models.
- The process involves opening a case, confirming paternity, obtaining a support order, payments, and enforcement.
- Adjustments are allowed for financial changes.
- States follow federal rules but have unique guidelines. Support usually ends at 18 or high school graduation, with exceptions for disabilities or education.
- Child support ensures a child’s needs and differs from alimony, which supports a former spouse.
How Does Child Support Work?
When children are involved, a well-formulated divorce agreement often contains a section about child support. Child support laws differ by state, and the court uses these specific guidelines to determine the payment amount the obligor must provide. The non-custodial parent usually agrees to make these payments to the obligee once the divorce agreement is finalized.
It is important to note that while a divorce agreement frequently contains a clause on child support, a prenuptial agreement cannot include this information.
In some instances, the non-custodial parent may fail to take responsibility for child support, forcing the custodial parent to take legal action. Depending on your situation, the following are the steps you can take to ask for support legally:
- Open a minor child support case
- Locate the other parent (confirm paternity if need be)
- Take a child support order (establishes the amount the parent must pay each month)
- Set up a payment method
- Enforce child support
- Review the order when either parent's financial situation changes
Child Support Laws By State
Each state formulates its child support guidelines but has to adopt some federal regulations found in the Child Support Enforcement Act. Afterward, the state is expected to follow up and ensure the parents follow the child support laws. The following table presents an exhaustive list of all 50 states' child support guidelines.
Guidelines Description
Below you can find a brief explanation of how child support guidelines work in each state:
Alabama
The Department of Human Resources enforces child support obligations in Alabama. Courts can modify support payments, either increasing or decreasing the amount, until the child reaches 19 years old, allowing for adjustments based on changing circumstances.
Child support amounts are determined using the Alabama Child Support Guidelines, although courts may deviate from these guidelines when they find it appropriate to do so.
Alaska
In this state, courts cannot mandate parents to cover post-secondary education expenses once a child reaches the age of majority. Child support obligations typically end when the child turns 18, or 19 if they're still in high school and living with a custodial parent.
The amount of support is calculated using the Flat Percentage of Income model, which determines payments based on a fixed percentage of the non-custodial parent's income.
Arizona
The court is not permitted to require parents to cover the costs of their child's college education. Child support payments end when the child reaches 18 years of age or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later.
The Income Shares Model, which calculates support based on the combined gross income of both parents, is used to determine the guidelines for child support in this state.
Arkansas
In this state, parents cannot be legally obligated to fund their children's college education. Child support obligations cease when the child turns 18 or completes high school, whichever happens later.
The state employs the Varying Percentage of Income Model for calculating child support, where the non-custodial parent's responsibility is determined as a percentage of their net income. Notably, this percentage decreases as the parent's income increases.
California
The state's child support system employs an Income Shares Model as part of its Statewide Uniform Guidelines, explicitly factoring in the time each parent spends with the child. A unique feature of this system is the explicit link between custody and financial support.
Courts have the authority to order financial compensation to a parent if the other consistently fails to fulfill their caretaking responsibilities.
Additional compensation may be awarded if one parent repeatedly obstructs the other's attempts to exercise their custody or visitation rights. These provisions are explicitly stated in the court's child support order.
Colorado
Parents are not legally obligated to cover the costs of their children's college education in this state. The Income Shares model, which considers the gross income of both parents, forms the basis for the Child Support Guidelines.
Support payments typically end when the child reaches 18 years of age or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later.
Connecticut
In this state, child support obligations cease when the child turns 18 years old. The calculation of support payments is based on the Income Shares Model, which takes into account the net income of both parents.
These guidelines form the foundation for determining child support amounts in the state's legal system.
Delaware
In Delaware, courts have the discretion to deviate from standard guidelines if they determine them to be "unjust or inappropriate" for a particular case.
The state employs the Melson Formula for calculating child support, a method that primarily considers the net available income of both parents. This formula serves as the foundation for determining support obligations in Delaware's family court system.
District of Columbia
In this jurisdiction, a child has a statutory right to receive support until they reach 21 years of age. The child support guidelines used here are a unique hybrid model, combining elements from both the income shares and percentage of income approaches.
The calculation of support is based on the gross incomes of both parties, while also incorporating a self-support reserve for each parent to ensure their own financial stability.
Florida
Support obligations in this state typically end when the child turns 18, or 19 if they graduate high school by that time. The state employs the Income Shares Model for its Child Support Guidelines, basing calculations on the parents' net income.
In addition to the basic support award, the guidelines factor in health insurance, childcare, and education expenses to determine the total support amount.
Georgia
In this state, child support is governed by statute. The calculation of support follows the flat-percentage-of-income model, which is based on the gross income of the paying parent.
Most additional expenses, such as healthcare or education costs, are considered deviation factors that may lead to adjustments in the standard support amount.
Hawaii
The Melson Formula is used in the guidelines established by court rules. Support calculations are based on net income and consider allowances for household members.
Idaho
Based on the Income Shares model, Idaho's child support guidelines prioritize child support over the needs of parents or creditors when allocating family resources.
Illinois
Statutory child support guidelines use a flat-percentage-of-income model, calculated based on net income.
Indiana
Outlined in the Indiana Rules of Court, child support guidelines follow the Income Shares Model, which is based on gross income.
These guidelines may also cover expenses necessary for a child's education, including post-majority education.
Iowa
Enacted by the Iowa Supreme Court through court rule, the child support guidelines are based on the Income Shares Model, which relies on gross income.
Kansas
The obligation for the parent paying child support continues until the child reaches 18 years of age, or 19 if they are still attending high school.
For its child support guidelines, Kansas employs the Income Shares model.
Kentucky
Established by statute, the child support guidelines follow the Income Shares Model, which is based on gross income.
These guidelines may also cover amounts necessary for a child's education, including education beyond the age of majority.
Louisiana
Statutory child support guidelines are derived from the Income Shares Model and consider the gross income of the parents.
Maine
Statutory in nature, child support guidelines are based on the Income Shares Model and rely on gross income.
Maryland
Outlined by statute, the child support guidelines are based on the Income Shares Model and rely on gross income.
Massachusetts
The Child Support Guidelines in Massachusetts are detailed in the Court Rules and issued by the Supreme Judicial Court. They utilize a hybrid approach combining the Percentage of Income Model with the Income Shares Model.
Calculations for support are based on the gross income of the noncustodial parent, adjusted by a percentage of the custodial parent's income above a specific minimum. Educational support for the child is provided up to age 21.
Michigan
The guidelines, outlined in the Michigan Friend of Court Child Support Manual, follow the Income Shares Model and are calculated using each parent's net income.
Child support payments are processed through the Friend of the Court Bureau.
Minnesota
Based on net income, child support guidelines use the Varying Percentage of Income formula.
Mississippi
Using the Flat Percentage of Income Model, child support guidelines are calculated based on net income.
Missouri
Calculated on gross income, child support guidelines are based on the Income Shares Formula.
Montana
The child support guidelines use the Melson Formula and are calculated based on net income as outlined in the Montana Administrative Rules.
Nebraska
Contained in the Rules of the Supreme Court, child support guidelines were established by court rule.
They are based on the Income Shares Formula and calculated using net income.
Nevada
The Varying Percentage of Income Model forms the basis for child support guidelines, where support is determined by applying a percentage to the obligor's gross income, with the percentage decreasing as income increases.
New Hampshire
Outlined by statute, child support amounts are determined using the Income Shares Model, which is based on net income.
New Jersey
Contained in New Jersey Court Rules, the child support guidelines are based on the Income Shares Model and calculated using net income.
New Mexico
Based on the Income Shares Model, child support guidelines are calculated using gross income.
New York
Using the Income Shares Model, child support guidelines are calculated based on net income.
North Carolina
Calculated on gross income, child support guidelines are based on the Income Shares Model.
North Dakota
Child support amounts are determined using a percentage of the obligor's income.
Ohio
Based on the Income Shares Model, child support guidelines are calculated using net income.
Support terminates at age 18 or upon high school graduation, whichever is later.
Oklahoma
The obligation ends when the child turns 18, or up to age 20 if they are still in high school.
Child support amounts are calculated using the Income Shares Model.
Oregon
Calculated on gross income, the child support guidelines are based on the Income Shares Formula.
Pennsylvania
Support may extend beyond age 18 if the child has specific physical or emotional challenges or disabilities.
To calculate child support amounts, Pennsylvania uses the Income Shares Model.
Rhode Island
If an obligor is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, support is determined based on potential income.
Child support amounts are calculated using the Income Shares Model.
South Carolina
Child support amounts are calculated employing the Income Shares Model.
Tennessee
The obligor must provide support until the child either turns 18 or graduates from high school.
Child support amounts are calculated using the Income Shares Model.
Texas
Support ends at age 18 or upon high school graduation, whichever comes later. There is no statutory or case law requirement for college support.
Child support guidelines are based on a percentage of the noncustodial parent's net income.
Utah
Based on the Income Shares Model, child support guidelines are calculated using gross income.
Support ends when the child turns 18 or graduates from high school. However, in a divorce action, the court may extend support until the child reaches 21.
Vermont
To determine child support amounts, Vermont employs the Income Shares Model.
Virginia
The obligor must pay support until the child either turns 19 or graduates from high school.
Child support amounts are calculated using the Income Shares Model.
Washington
To calculate child support amounts, Washington uses the Income Shares Model.
West Virginia
Support ends at age 18, or at 20 if the child is still in secondary school. The court may also grant support for college tuition.
Based on the Income Shares Model, child support guidelines are calculated using adjusted gross income.
Wisconsin
The guidelines for child support are determined by a percentage of the obligor's income.
Wyoming
To calculate child support amounts, Wyoming uses the Income Shares Model.
Child Support Official Laws
The following table presents an exhaustive list of all 50 states' child support guidelines.
Even with these guidelines, most courts allow parents to agree on how much child support will change hands. A divorce agreement with a child support section makes the process easy and less stressful.
Start your Divorce Agreement now
Helpful Resources:
Citizen's Guide To U.S. Federal Law On Child Support Enforcement - Department of Justice
Child Support Enforcement - Department of Justice
Custodial Mothers and Fathers and Their Child Support: 2015 - US Census
FAQs
-
How Much Is Child Support?
Child support payments in the U.S. typically range from $402 to $1200, with an average of $480. The amount is primarily calculated based on the gross incomes of both parents after deductions like health care premiums.
Additional income sources such as commissions, social security benefits, and bonuses are also considered. Generally, the higher-earning parent pays more, even in joint custody situations. Courts factor in not just basic necessities but also reasonable needs like education, entertainment, and extracurricular activities to ensure the child's overall well-being.
-
Is child support the same as alimony?
Child support and alimony differ in purpose: alimony supports the living standards of a former spouse, while child support ensures the child's well-being. Courts do not monitor how child support is spent, which can lead to perceptions of it being like alimony.
The Federal Child Support Enactment Act mandates guidelines for determining payments, with states using models like the Income Shares Model, Percentage of Income Model, and Melson Formula to calculate amounts based on parental income and needs.
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