Child Support Guidelines
State-mandated formulas and tables used to calculate child support amounts based on parental income, custody time, and the number of children.
Understanding Child Support Guidelines
Every state has child support guidelines that create a presumptive support amount. Judges can deviate from guidelines in unusual circumstances, such as a child's special needs, extraordinary expenses, or very high incomes that exceed the guideline tables. Most states use an income shares model that estimates what parents would have spent on the child if they were still together. The paying parent's obligation is then calculated based on each parent's proportionate share of combined income. Online calculators are available for most states.
Real-World Examples
Using state guidelines, the combined parental income of $120,000 with two children results in a base support obligation of $1,800/month.
Related Terms
Court-ordered payments from one parent to the other for the financial care of their children after divorce or separation.
Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)An automatic increase in child support or alimony payments based on inflation or changes in the cost of living, sometimes built into the original court order.
CustodyThe legal arrangement determining which parent a child lives with (physical custody) and who makes major life decisions for the child (legal custody) after divorce.
Have Questions About Child Support Guidelines?
Our AI advisor can explain how child support guidelines applies to your specific situation — free, private, and available 24/7.
Ask About Child Support GuidelinesWas this helpful? Help us keep it free.
divorce911.ai is funded entirely by donations. Every dollar keeps the AI assistant and 1,700+ guides free for people in crisis.
Know someone going through a divorce? This could help them.
This definition is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Divorce laws and terminology may vary by state and jurisdiction.
Always consult a licensed attorney in your area for advice specific to your situation.