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Child Support Calculator by State (2026)

Estimate monthly child support payments using your state's official guidelines. Free, no sign-up required, and explained in plain English — not legal jargon.

All 50 states Updated 2026 Free No sign-up Florida focus
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⚖️ Child Support Estimator

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Estimated monthly payment
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based on your inputs
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Estimated annual total
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Of combined income
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State formula used
This estimate is based on the income shares model used in your state. Actual court-ordered amounts vary based on additional factors judges may consider.

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How child support is calculated — in plain English

When I went through the child support process myself, I was overwhelmed by the legal terminology and the lack of clear, straightforward information. Most online resources either gave me vague answers or sent me straight to a lawyer before I even understood the basics. That is why I built this calculator — to give you real numbers with real explanations.

Child support in the United States is calculated using one of two main methods, depending on your state:

The income shares model (used by most states including Florida)

This model looks at the combined income of both parents and determines what percentage of that combined income children would have received if the family had stayed together. Florida, Georgia, Ohio, and most other states use this model. The basic steps are:

The percentage of income model (Texas, Alaska, Nevada, and others)

Texas and a handful of other states use a simpler model. The non-custodial parent pays a flat percentage of their net income based solely on the number of children. In Texas this is 20% for one child, 25% for two children, and 30% for three children. Note that Texas updated its child support cap to $11,700 per month in September 2025 — an increase from the previous $9,200 cap.

Important to know: The numbers this calculator produces are estimates based on the standard guidelines your state publishes. Actual court orders can differ if there are extraordinary expenses, if one parent has significantly higher costs, or if a judge finds deviation from the guidelines is in the child's best interest.

What counts as gross income?

Most states define gross income broadly. It typically includes salary or wages, self-employment income, bonuses and commissions, rental income, social security benefits, unemployment compensation, and workers' compensation. It generally does not include public assistance benefits like Medicaid or SNAP.

What about shared custody?

When parents share custody — meaning each parent has the child at least 40% of the time — many states apply an adjustment to the base calculation. In Florida, equal time-sharing does not automatically eliminate child support. The court still considers the income disparity between parents and may order the higher-earning parent to pay support even with a 50/50 schedule.

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Frequently asked questions about child support

How accurate is this child support calculator?+
This calculator uses the published child support guidelines for each state and applies the standard formula. For most straightforward cases — two working parents, standard custody arrangements, no extraordinary expenses — the estimate will be close to what a court would order. However, every family's situation is unique. Factors like a parent being self-employed, having significant medical expenses, or a child with special needs can all affect the final number. Use this as a starting point for your conversations, not as a substitute for legal advice.
How is child support calculated in Florida?+
Florida uses the Income Shares Model under Statute 61.30. Both parents' monthly net incomes are combined and a basic support obligation is determined from Florida's statutory schedule based on income level and number of children. Each parent pays a proportional share based on their percentage of combined income. Healthcare and childcare costs are added and split proportionally. Courts may deviate up to 5% from the guideline without written justification.
Can child support be modified after it is set?+
Yes. Child support orders can be modified if there has been a substantial change in circumstances. In Florida this is typically a change of at least 15% or $50 in the monthly amount, whichever is greater. Common reasons for modification include a significant change in either parent's income, a change in custody arrangement, a child aging out, or significant changes in the child's expenses. Most states allow you to request a review every three years even without a change in circumstances.
Does 50/50 custody mean no child support in Florida?+
No. Even with equal time-sharing, the parent who earns significantly more may still owe child support to the lower-earning parent. Florida's formula accounts for the number of overnights and applies a time-sharing adjustment, but income disparity between parents still creates a support obligation in most equal custody cases. Many parents are surprised to learn this — it is one of the most common misconceptions about Florida child support law.
What happens if a parent does not pay child support?+
Unpaid child support is taken very seriously by courts. Enforcement methods include wage garnishment, tax refund interception, suspension of driver's license or professional licenses, negative credit reporting, and in serious cases contempt of court which can result in fines or jail time. The paying parent's employer is required by law to comply with income withholding orders.
How is child support calculated if a parent is self-employed?+
Self-employment income is calculated based on gross receipts minus ordinary and necessary business expenses — essentially what appears on a Schedule C tax return, though courts may add back depreciation and certain other deductions. If a self-employed parent is believed to be hiding income or voluntarily underemployed, courts can impute income based on earning capacity rather than actual reported income. This is one of the situations where working with a family law attorney is especially important.
Does child support cover college expenses?+
Standard child support orders typically end when a child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever comes later. Most states do not require parents to pay for college expenses through a child support order, though parents can voluntarily agree to share college costs as part of a divorce settlement. A few states like Illinois and Massachusetts do allow courts to order post-secondary educational support under certain circumstances.
Where can I find the official child support guidelines for my state?+
Every state publishes its child support guidelines through its Department of Revenue, Department of Children and Families, or court system website. For Florida visit myflorida.com. For Texas visit OAG.texas.gov/child-support. For California visit acss.ca.gov. You can also call your local family court clerk — they are required to provide you with the guidelines and worksheets at no charge.

Important disclaimer: The child support estimates provided by this calculator are for informational and educational purposes only. They are based on published state guidelines and standard formulas but do not constitute legal advice. Every family's situation is unique, and actual court-ordered child support amounts may differ significantly based on factors not captured in this calculator. LifeCalcCenter.com is not a law firm and does not provide legal services. Always consult a licensed family law attorney in your state for advice specific to your situation.

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