District of Columbia Child Support Calculator
Calculate estimated child support using District of Columbia's official guidelines
About District of Columbia's Guidelines
Income Shares Model
Note: Uses combined adjusted gross income
Key Information
- •Model: Income Shares
- •Last Updated: January 15, 2024
Common Deviation Factors
Monthly Income
Children & Custody
Additional Monthly Expenses
Estimates only — not legal advice. Consult a District of Columbia family law attorney for official calculations.
Official District of Columbia Court Forms
Download official court forms from the District of Columbia judiciary website. These are free, legally valid forms for your family court case.
Child Support Forms
Official petitions & worksheets
Modification Forms
Request changes to orders
Financial Disclosure
Income & expense statements
These links go to official District of Columbia court websites. Forms are free and provided by the state judiciary.
District of Columbia Child Support Guidelines
District of Columbia uses the D.C. Child Support Guideline (D.C. Code § 16-916.01) to determine child support obligations. Under the Income Shares model, both parents' incomes are combined to estimate what the family would have spent on the child if the household were intact. The obligation is then divided proportionally based on each parent's contribution to combined gross income.
District of Columbia has several distinctive features in its child support system. D.C. has one of the highest self-support reserves in the country ($1,650/month) reflecting the high cost of living. The District applies a 1.5x multiplier for shared custody calculations when both parents have 128+ overnights. D.C. includes a specific provision for imputing income at minimum wage ($17/hour in D.C.) for voluntarily unemployed parents.
District of Columbia bases calculations on gross income — meaning income before taxes and deductions. This includes wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, and other sources. The self-support reserve in District of Columbia is $1,650/month, ensuring the paying parent retains enough income to cover basic living expenses.
How District of Columbia Calculates Child Support
District of Columbia follows a 6-step process under the D.C. Child Support Guideline (D.C. Code § 16-916.01):
- 1
Calculate each parent's gross income from all sources
- 2
Subtract pre-existing child support orders and any alimony paid
- 3
Combine adjusted incomes and find the basic obligation from the D.C. support schedule
- 4
Prorate the obligation based on each parent's share of combined income
- 5
If shared custody applies (128+ overnights each), multiply the basic obligation by 1.5 and offset
- 6
Add proportional shares of childcare and health insurance
Income Thresholds & Key Numbers in District of Columbia
Self-Support Reserve
$1,650/mo
Shared Custody Threshold
128 nights/yr
35% of overnights
Income Basis
gross
Sample Obligation Schedule
| Combined Monthly Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| $2,000 | $330 | $480 | $585 |
| $4,000 | $580 | $845 | $1,035 |
| $6,000 | $800 | $1,170 | $1,430 |
| $10,000 | $1,200 | $1,760 | $2,155 |
| $15,000 | $1,650 | $2,420 | $2,965 |
* Simplified schedule. Actual amounts may vary based on additional factors.
Custody Time Adjustments in District of Columbia
District of Columbia recognizes "Shared Physical Custody" when the non-custodial parent has the children for at least 128 overnights per year (approximately 35% of the time). When this threshold is met, the standard child support formula is adjusted to reflect the increased direct expenses borne by both parents.
Under District of Columbia's Income Shares approach, the shared parenting adjustment typically calculates each parent's obligation based on their income share, then applies a credit or cross-calculation that accounts for the time each parent directly supports the child. The more overnights the non-custodial parent has, the greater the reduction in their payment — but the adjustment is not dollar-for-dollar because fixed costs like housing don't decrease when the child is away.
Below 128 overnights, District of Columbia generally treats the arrangement as a sole custody situation with standard visitation, and no custody time adjustment is applied to the child support calculation.
Frequently Asked Questions About District of Columbia Child Support
What is the minimum wage used for imputing income in D.C.?
How does D.C. handle shared custody?
How to Reduce Child Support Costs in District of Columbia
While child support is determined by District of Columbia's guidelines, there are legitimate ways to ensure your obligation is calculated fairly.
Increase Parenting Time
In District of Columbia, more overnights with your children can reduce your support obligation. Document actual time spent and request a formal custody modification if needed.
Ensure Accurate Income Reporting
Both parents' incomes must be reported accurately. Verify that bonuses, overtime, and variable income are averaged correctly over the appropriate period.
Claim All Allowable Deductions
District of Columbia allows deductions for items like mandatory retirement contributions, union dues, and health insurance premiums. Make sure all qualifying deductions are included.
Request a Modification When Eligible
If your income has decreased by 15-25% or more, you may qualify for a modification. File promptly — changes are typically not retroactive before the filing date.
Account for Other Children
If you have other children you're legally obligated to support, this can be factored into the calculation as a deduction in most states.
Review Healthcare & Childcare Costs
Ensure shared expenses like health insurance and childcare are divided proportionally. If costs have changed, update the court.
Key Facts About Child Support in District of Columbia
Calculation Model
Income Shares
Guidelines Source
State Statute
Review Frequency
Every 4 Years
Last Updated
January 15, 2024
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