Indiana Child Support Calculator
Calculate estimated child support using Indiana's official guidelines
About Indiana's Guidelines
Income Shares Model
Note: Parenting time credit begins at 52+ overnights
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 Indiana family law attorney for official calculations.
Official Indiana Court Forms
Download official court forms from the Indiana 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 Indiana court websites. Forms are free and provided by the state judiciary.
Indiana Child Support Guidelines
Indiana uses the Indiana Child Support Rules and Guidelines 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.
Indiana has several distinctive features in its child support system. Indiana has one of the lowest overnight thresholds — just 52 overnights (14%) triggers a parenting time credit. The credit uses a graduated scale: the more overnights, the higher the credit percentage. Indiana includes a specific "Controlled Expenses" calculation for food, shelter, and transportation during parenting time.
Indiana 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 Indiana is $1,200/month, ensuring the paying parent retains enough income to cover basic living expenses.
How Indiana Calculates Child Support
Indiana follows a 6-step process under the Indiana Child Support Rules and Guidelines:
- 1
Calculate each parent's weekly gross income from all sources
- 2
Subtract pre-existing child support and maintenance obligations
- 3
Combine adjusted incomes and find the basic obligation from the guidelines schedule
- 4
Each parent's share is their percentage of combined income
- 5
If the non-custodial parent has 52+ overnights, apply the Parenting Time Credit using the sliding scale
- 6
Add each parent's share of work-related childcare and children's health insurance
Income Thresholds & Key Numbers in Indiana
Self-Support Reserve
$1,200/mo
Shared Custody Threshold
52 nights/yr
14% of overnights
Income Basis
gross
Sample Obligation Schedule
| Combined Monthly Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,500 | $245 | $355 | $425 |
| $3,000 | $442 | $644 | $780 |
| $5,000 | $648 | $950 | $1,155 |
| $8,000 | $895 | $1,320 | $1,605 |
| $12,000 | $1,165 | $1,720 | $2,095 |
* Simplified schedule. Actual amounts may vary based on additional factors.
Custody Time Adjustments in Indiana
Indiana recognizes "Parenting Time Credit" when the non-custodial parent has the children for at least 52 overnights per year (approximately 14% 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 Indiana'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 52 overnights, Indiana 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 Indiana Child Support
How does Indiana's parenting time credit work?
Does Indiana use weekly or monthly calculations?
How to Reduce Child Support Costs in Indiana
While child support is determined by Indiana's guidelines, there are legitimate ways to ensure your obligation is calculated fairly.
Increase Parenting Time
In Indiana, 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
Indiana 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 Indiana
Calculation Model
Income Shares
Guidelines Source
State Statute
Review Frequency
Every 4 Years
Last Updated
January 15, 2024
Related Family Law Tools
Explore additional calculators and tools for your Indiana family law case.