How Much Child Support Will I Pay? (2026 State-by-State Guide)
Real dollar examples for every percentage-of-income state, how Income Shares states change the math, and the inputs that move your number.
The honest answer: it depends on your state’s formula, your income, the number of children, and parenting time. But you can get a defensible planning figure in about two minutes — and for the six states that use a flat percentage, the math is simple enough to do on a napkin.
Start with your state’s formula
Every state uses one of three models — Income Shares (41 states + D.C.), Percentage of Income (6 states), or the Melson Formula (3 states). How the three models work explains the difference; your state page tells you which model you are under and which income basis to enter.
Dollar examples at $5,000/month (2026 guideline rates)
In the six percentage-of-income states, the obligation is a flat or graduated share of only the paying parent’s income. On $5,000/month the guideline amounts are:
| State | Income basis | 1 child | 2 children |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | net resources | $1,000 (20%) | $1,250 (25%) |
| Wisconsin | gross | $850 (17%) | $1,250 (25%) |
| Alaska | gross | $1,000 (20%) | $1,350 (27%) |
| Mississippi | adjusted gross | $700 (14%) | $1,000 (20%) |
| Nevada | gross | $900 (18%) | $1,250 (25%) — $100 floor + joint-custody credit |
| North Dakota | net | graduated schedule with self-support reserve and $25,000 cap | — |
These are guideline amounts before add-ons. Child care, health insurance, and extraordinary medical costs are usually added on top and split by income. Run your exact figures in the Texas calculator or the Wisconsin calculator.
Income Shares states: both parents matter
In the 41 Income Shares states plus D.C., the court combines both parents’ incomes, looks up a basic obligation on the state’s schedule, and then splits it proportionally. If you earn $6,000/month and the other parent earns $4,000/month with two children, you earn 60% of the combined income — so you generally pay 60% of the schedule amount, before parenting-time credits and add-ons. Compare every state at once to see the spread on your exact income.
The inputs that move your number
- Number of children — the obligation rises with each child, usually at a decreasing rate
- Parenting time — overnights at or above your state’s threshold (often ~35–40%) can cut the base
- Child care & health insurance — added on top and split by income share
- Existing orders for other children — many states deduct support already being paid