Wisconsin Child Support Calculator

We created a child support calculator to help you determine how much you can expect to receive or pay in child support in Wisconsin.

Estimate Monthly Payments for Both Primary & Shared Placement

How Wisconsin Child Support is Calculated

Child support in Wisconsin is based on certain factors and guidelines that can vary based on your unique situation and custody rules. There are two main types of child support formulas for you to be aware of:

1. One child support formula is applied where one of the parents has what is called “primary placement”. Primary placement is defined as one parent having 75% or more of the overnights with the children.
2. The other child support formula that is applied when parents have what is called “shared placement”. Shared placement is when both parents share the same amount of overnights with the children.

The Number of Children Decides the Amount

If you don’t have custody of your children, then the amount you pay will depend on the number of children in your family.

For one child in Wisconsin, your child support will be 17 percent of your earnings. So, if you have one child with your former spouse, and they kept custody of the child, you’ll pay 17 percent for the child’s support. That means if your monthly income is $2,500, you’ll pay $425 a month for child support in Wisconsin.

The more children you’ll be supporting, however, the more that amount rises. A fifth child or any number of children above five will raise the amount to 34 percent of your income, which is the maximum amount you can expect to pay for child support.

Your Custody Situation Does Affect Child Support

As mentioned, child support is generally paid by the parent who does not have custody of the child. Parents with joint custody, however, may be subjected to different child support rules.

If you are partially responsible for your child’s care, including feeding and clothing them, you may not have to pay the full amount of child support based on the guidelines above. Instead, your amount might be adjusted to meet the needs of your child.

For example, your child might spend a more even amount of time between homes, especially if you live close enough that they can stay at the same school. If your expenses are split exactly evenly, you may not have to pay child support at all.

While it’s rare that both parents spend exactly equal time, money, and energy on their child, you may need to look at the amount of time you spend with your child and your Wisconsin custody arrangement. The amount you pay could vary if you’re actively involved in your child’s life, so you may need an attorney to help you determine how much your child support should really be worth.

Learn What You Owe for Support

Understanding how much you should pay for child support isn’t as simple as it could be. While there are specific guidelines for child support in Wisconsin, these guidelines can vary based on your unique situation and your custody rules. It is best you have a child support lawyer on your side when you’re calculating child support in Wisconsin. Our attorneys understand how difficult custody battles and support calculations can be, so we’ll help you find the right answers for your case.

Reach out for a 100% confidential consultation today where we’ll discuss your child support situation and what you should owe or receive. Get started by calling 414-453-0800 or by completing the online form below.