How is child support calculated?

Child support is calculated using each state's specific formula, which typically considers both parents' gross monthly income, the number of children, and the custody arrangement. Most states use an Income Shares model or a Percentage of Income model.

Is this child support calculator accurate?

This calculator provides an estimate based on publicly available state guidelines. Actual court-ordered child support may differ based on deductions, special expenses, imputed income, and judicial discretion. Always consult a family law attorney for legal advice.

Which states does this calculator support?

SupportByState.com supports child support calculations for all 50 states using each state's current guidelines.

Is child support taxable income?

No. Child support payments are not taxable income for the recipient and are not tax-deductible for the paying parent under current IRS rules.

Are SupportByState.com calculator results official?

No. All results are informational estimates based on publicly available state statutory formulas. They are not official government figures, not court orders, and not binding on any party.

Can I use a calculator result as my actual child support amount?

No. Your actual child support obligation is set by a court or administrative order, not by an online calculator. Use our results as a planning estimate, then verify with official state sources or a licensed family law attorney before relying on any figure.

Does SupportByState.com provide financial or tax advice?

No. Nothing on this site constitutes financial advice, tax advice, or accounting guidance. Child support and alimony have tax implications that vary by jurisdiction; consult a qualified financial advisor or tax professional.

What should I do if I need legal guidance?

Consult a licensed family law attorney in your state. If cost is a concern, contact your state bar association for a referral to legal aid or low-cost legal services. Our Find an Attorney page also lists attorneys who specialize in child support and family law.

Legal Disclaimer — SupportByState.com

All results on SupportByState.com are informational estimates only. This site does not provide legal advice, is not affiliated with any government agency, and is not a substitute for a licensed family law attorney.

Last updated: June 2026.

Informational Estimates Only

Every result produced by SupportByState.com is a mathematical estimate based on publicly available state statutory formulas. Results are for educational purposes only. Actual child support or alimony orders are set by a court and depend on many factors no online calculator can fully capture — including imputed income, deviation factors, and judicial discretion.

Not Legal Advice

Nothing on this site constitutes legal advice. Using SupportByState.com does not create an attorney-client relationship. Do not rely on any calculation result as a substitute for advice from a licensed family law attorney. State guidelines change regularly; always verify against official state sources.

Not Affiliated with Any Government Agency

SupportByState.com is a private, independent website. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by any federal or state government agency — including HHS, OCSS, any state child support enforcement agency, or any family court. For official determinations, contact your state child support agency or the court in your jurisdiction.

Accuracy and Currency

We make reasonable efforts to keep calculators current with each state's published guidelines. However, state statutes and judicial interpretations change. We cannot guarantee every calculator reflects the most recent amendments. Always verify against official state sources before using any result in a legal proceeding.

Consult a Licensed Professional

For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed family law attorney in your state. If you cannot afford an attorney, contact your state bar association for legal aid referrals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are SupportByState.com calculator results official?: No. All results are informational estimates based on publicly available state statutory formulas. They are not official government figures, not court orders, and not binding on any party.
Is SupportByState.com affiliated with any government agency?: No. SupportByState.com is a private, independent website. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by any federal or state government agency, including HHS, OCSS, any state child support enforcement agency, or any family court.
Can I use a calculator result as my actual child support amount?: No. Your actual child support obligation is set by a court or administrative order, not by an online calculator. Use our results as a planning estimate, then verify with official state sources or a licensed family law attorney before relying on any figure.
Does SupportByState.com provide financial or tax advice?: No. Nothing on this site constitutes financial advice, tax advice, or accounting guidance. Child support and alimony have tax implications that vary by jurisdiction; consult a qualified financial advisor or tax professional.
What should I do if I need legal guidance?: Consult a licensed family law attorney in your state. If cost is a concern, contact your state bar association for a referral to legal aid or low-cost legal services. Our Find an Attorney page also lists attorneys who specialize in child support and family law.