Child Support Calculations:
What You're Really Paying For
Every month, thousands of fathers overpay because they don't understand the formula. This guide shows you exactly how it works—so you pay what's fair, not a penny more.
Here's What Most Dads Get Wrong
You sit across from your ex's attorney. They slide a number across the table. You look at your lawyer. They shrug. "That's about right for your income."
But is it? How would you know? The formula is buried in state statutes written by lawyers, for lawyers. It's designed to be confusing.
The Costly Mistakes
- • Accepting the first number without understanding how it was calculated
- • Not claiming all legitimate deductions (healthcare, work expenses, other dependents)
- • Underestimating your actual parenting time percentage
- • Failing to document income changes that could lower your obligation
Knowledge is money. Every point you understand about this formula could mean hundreds saved monthly—money you can spend on your kids directly, not through court orders.
The 5 Factors That Determine Your Payment
Combined Gross Income
Both parents' incomes are added together. This creates the 'pie' that gets divided. Higher combined income = higher total support amount. Your share is based on what percentage of this total you earn.
Pro Tip: Include ALL income sources for both parties—bonuses, rental income, investments. If her income is understated, your share is artificially inflated.
Number of Children
More children = higher support percentage. But it's not linear. One child might be 20% of income. Two children might be 28%, not 40%. The per-child cost decreases with each additional child.
Pro Tip: Know your state's percentage table. It's public information and the foundation of everything else.
Parenting Time Percentage
This is where most dads leave money on the table. Every overnight you have with your kids reduces your support obligation. 30% parenting time vs 20% can mean hundreds per month difference.
Pro Tip: Track EVERY overnight. Use a co-parenting app. Document everything. This number is negotiable and directly impacts your payment.
Healthcare & Childcare Costs
Insurance premiums, uncovered medical expenses, and work-related childcare are added on top of basic support. These are split proportionally based on income ratios.
Pro Tip: Get itemized costs. If she's claiming $500/month in childcare, verify it. You have the right to documentation.
Deviations & Adjustments
Travel costs for visitation, special needs, other children in your household, extreme income disparities—all of these can adjust the base calculation up or down.
Pro Tip: This is where a good attorney earns their fee. Know what deviations your state allows and which apply to you.
Your Next Steps: What To Do Right Now
Ready to Run Your Numbers?
Our free child support calculator uses the same formulas courts use. Know your number before anyone else tells you what it should be.