How child support is calculated

Child support isn't a guess — every state uses a written formula (a "guideline model") applied to specific numbers.

The main models

• Income Shares (most states): combines both parents' incomes and splits the estimated cost of raising the child in proportion to each parent's share.
• Percentage of Income (a few states): applies a percentage of the paying parent's income.
• Melson / Hybrid (a handful of states): more detailed variations that first set aside a self-support amount.

What goes into it

Typically both parents' incomes, the number of children, health-insurance and work-related childcare costs, and often the number of overnights each parent has.

Using the estimate

CaseForward's calculator gives you a solid estimate under your state's model and saves it to your account. It's an estimate, not the official number — always confirm with your state's official worksheet (we link it), which the court uses to set the actual amount.