Hawaii Child Support

Melson Formulamodel estimate

Estimate for Hawaii

Hawaii uses the Melson Formula model.

Paying parent’s monthly income ($)

Other parent’s monthly income ($)

Number of children

Overnights / year with paying parent

Child care cost / month ($)

Health insurance / month ($)

Enter the paying parent’s net (after-tax/deductions) monthly income.

Estimated monthly support$958.80per month

Annual estimate$11,505.60

Effective rate19.2%

MethodMelson Formula: self-support reserve + primary support, split by adjusted income

View calculation breakdown

Self-support reserve (each parent)	$1,693
POVC reserve (each parent)	$910
Obligor adjusted income	$2,397
Primary support pool (30% of adjusted)	$1,138
Obligor primary support	$719
Standard-of-living adjustment (obligor share)	239.7%
Estimated monthly support	$959

Estimated monthly support by number of children

At the incomes you entered, for 2 children.

§ How Hawaii calculates support

Hawaii uses the Modified Melson Formula under HRS § 576D-7 (2024 Guidelines, effective April 1, 2024). Each parent keeps a Self-Support Reserve ($1,693/month), the child's Primary Child Support Need is funded ($455 per child/month), and any remaining income is shared with the child through a Standard of Living Adjustment (SOLA) of 10% per child (max 30% for 3+). Health insurance and work-related childcare are added.

Content verified against official sources on 2026-08-09.

✦ How to open or modify a case in Hawaii

Determine each parent's gross monthly income from all sources (public assistance like TANF/SSI is excluded).
Use the Table of Incomes (Appendix B) to compute standardized net income after taxes and the self-support reserve.
Subtract the $1,693/month Self-Support Reserve for each parent.
Compute the Primary Child Support Need ($455 per child) plus childcare and health insurance, split by income share.
Apply the SOLA (10% per child, max 30%) to income remaining after the reserve and PCSN.
Allocate the total by each parent's proportional share of combined net income.

◈ Illustrative examples

Illustrative example

Illustrative example - simplified Melson, 1 child (approximate)

Scenario: Parent A gross $5,000, Parent B gross $3,000 (assume ~15% tax). Net available after SSR: A = 5000-750-1693 = $2,557; B = 3000-450-1693 = $857; combined $3,414.

Walk-through: PCSN $455 split 74.9%/25.1% = $340.80 / $114.20. SOLA income (gross - $1,303 each) = $5,394; remaining after PCSN = $4,939; 10% = $493.90 split = $369.93 / $123.97. Noncustodial share ~$238/month (illustrative; use official worksheet for exact figures).

Takeaway: The Melson structure ensures each parent keeps a subsistence reserve before the child's needs and a share of prosperity are funded.

? Frequently asked questions

What is the Hawaii minimum support order?

About $91 per child per month under the 2024 Guidelines.

When does Hawaii support end?

Generally at 18, but extends to 23 if the child is in a post-secondary education program, and indefinitely for a child with a disability.

↗ Official policy & agency links

Hawaii Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA) ↗Hawaii State Judiciary - Child Support ↗

Sources verified: https://ag.hawaii.gov/csea/child-support/ · https://recordinglaw.com/us-laws/united-states-child-support-laws/hawaii-child-support-laws/ · https://observed.org/child-support-guidelines-in-hawaii/

Statute: Haw. Rev. Stat. § 576D-7Income basis: netData last updated: 2026-08-08Next review: 2027-01-01Status: estimate pending verification

How Hawaii calculates support

Hawaii uses the Melson Formula with a self-support reserve and standard-of-living adjustment.

Not legal or financial advice. This estimate follows the state’s statutory guideline formula but cannot capture every factor a court considers (health insurance, childcare, prior orders, deviations, imputed income).