If you're going through a separation or divorce in Wisconsin and need to figure out how much child support might be owed, our calculator can help. It gives you a quick estimate based on the state's official guidelines. Below, we’ll walk you through what each part of the calculator means and how Wisconsin child support law works.
Child support is money that one parent pays to the other to help cover the costs of raising their child. In most cases, the parent who does not have primary placement (the child doesn't live with them most of the time) will pay child support to the parent who does.
Wisconsin uses a Percentage of Income Standard to calculate how much child support is owed. This means the amount is based on a fixed percentage of the paying parent’s gross income and the number of children being supported.
This is the income before taxes are taken out. It includes wages, salary, tips, commissions, and other regular sources of income. If the parent has multiple jobs or earns bonuses, those should be included too.
We ask for monthly income so the calculator can give you a monthly child support estimate. If you only know your annual income, divide it by 12.
Example: If a parent earns $60,000 per year, their monthly income is about $5,000.
Child support rates in Wisconsin go up as the number of children increases. Here's how the state calculates support:
So, if a non-custodial parent earns $5,000/month and has 2 children, the estimate would be $1,250/month (25% of income).
Once you put in the income and number of children, the calculator gives you an estimated monthly amount. This amount follows Wisconsin’s basic guideline and doesn’t include special circumstances.
Keep in mind that your actual child support order may differ based on things like shared placement, health insurance contributions, child care costs, or if either parent supports other children.
Wisconsin’s guidelines apply to most cases, but there are exceptions. For example:
It's always best to talk to a family law attorney to understand how these rules might apply to your specific case.
Our Wisconsin Child Support Calculator is a great starting point, but every case is unique. If you want to understand how child support will be calculated in your situation—or if you’re facing a court hearing—our family law attorneys are here to help.
Contact O’Flaherty Law today to schedule a consultation. Let us guide you through the process with clear advice and trusted support.
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