Estimate child support payments by state. Calculate using income shares model. Free child support estimator. Not legal advice. No signup required.
Child support amounts are calculated by state-specific formulas — not by what either parent thinks is fair. Most states use an income shares model that considers both parents' incomes, custody arrangement, childcare costs, and health insurance. This calculator provides estimates for planning purposes — actual amounts are determined by the court. Not legal advice.
Three main models used by states: Income shares model (used by 40 states): combines both parents' income, applies percentage based on number of children, adjusts for custody time. Percentage of income model (used by 9 states including Texas): obligor pays fixed percentage of their income. Flat percentage model: simpler formula without combining incomes. State determines which parent is the obligor based on custody arrangement.
Courts adjust base child support for: childcare costs while parent works or attends school, health insurance premiums for child, extraordinary medical expenses, educational expenses, travel costs for visitation, and parenting time percentage above or below standard. Either parent can request a modification if there is a substantial change in circumstances like job loss or income change of 15%+.
Texas uses a percentage of income model based on obligor net income: 1 child 20%, 2 children 25%, 3 children 30%, 4 children 35%, 5 children 40%. Net income cap applies at approximately $9,200/month for standard calculations. Additional amounts may be ordered for childcare, insurance, and extraordinary expenses.
In most states child support ends when the child turns 18 or graduates high school whichever is later. Some states extend to 19 if still in high school. College support is not required by most states unless agreed upon in divorce settlement. Support can be extended indefinitely for disabled adult children who cannot be self-supporting.
Yes but you must petition the court — do not simply stop paying. Voluntarily stopping payments creates arrears with interest and can result in license suspension, wage garnishment, or contempt charges. File a modification request immediately upon job loss. Courts generally grant temporary reduction for genuine involuntary unemployment.
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The Child Support Calculator by State — Estimate Your Payments uses the same formulas, rates, and reference data that financial planners, professionals, and government sources publish. Results are estimates intended for planning and education — for situations involving large sums or legal consequences, confirm with a qualified professional before acting.
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