North Dakota Child Support Calculator
Calculate estimated child support using North Dakota's official guidelines
About North Dakota's Guidelines
Percentage of Income Model
Note: Uses net income with caps based on children count
Key Information
- •Model: Percentage of Income
- •Last Updated: January 15, 2024
Common Deviation Factors
Monthly Income
North Dakota uses the Percentage of Income model — only the non-custodial parent's income is used. Enter both incomes and we'll determine the calculation based on your custody time.
Children & Custody
Additional Monthly Expenses
Estimates only — not legal advice. Consult a North Dakota family law attorney for official calculations.
Official North Dakota Court Forms
Download official court forms from the North Dakota 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 North Dakota court websites. Forms are free and provided by the state judiciary.
North Dakota Child Support Guidelines
North Dakota uses the North Dakota Child Support Guidelines (NDAC § 75-02-04.1) to determine child support obligations. Under the Percentage of Income model, a fixed percentage of the non-custodial parent's net income is applied based on the number of children. This approach focuses primarily on the paying parent's ability to contribute.
North Dakota has several distinctive features in its child support system. North Dakota has some of the highest percentage rates in the country — 25% for one child, up to 50% for six or more. The state uses net income (after taxes) which partially offsets the high percentages. North Dakota includes a specific extended visitation credit that reduces support when the non-custodial parent has more than the standard schedule.
North Dakota bases calculations on net income — meaning income after mandatory deductions like taxes, Social Security, and Medicare. This gives a more accurate picture of each parent's take-home pay. The self-support reserve in North Dakota is $1,250/month, ensuring the paying parent retains enough income to cover basic living expenses.
How North Dakota Calculates Child Support
North Dakota follows a 5-step process under the North Dakota Child Support Guidelines (NDAC § 75-02-04.1):
- 1
Calculate the obligor's gross monthly income from all sources
- 2
Deduct federal and state taxes, FICA, and health insurance to get net income
- 3
Apply the percentage based on number of children: 25% (1), 30% (2), 35% (3), etc.
- 4
Apply extended visitation credit if the non-custodial parent has more than standard time
- 5
Court may adjust for hardship or extraordinary circumstances
Income Thresholds & Key Numbers in North Dakota
Self-Support Reserve
$1,250/mo
Shared Custody Threshold
128 nights/yr
35% of overnights
Income Basis
net
Support Percentages by Number of Children
25%
1 child
30%
2 children
35%
3 children
40%
4 children
45%
5 children
50%
6 children
Custody Time Adjustments in North Dakota
North Dakota recognizes "Extended Visitation" 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 North Dakota's Percentage of Income approach, shared custody adjustments offset each parent's calculated obligation against the other's. Each parent's support is computed independently, and the parent with the higher obligation pays the difference to the other parent.
Below 128 overnights, North Dakota 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 North Dakota Child Support
Why are North Dakota percentages so high?
Does North Dakota consider both parents' income?
How to Reduce Child Support Costs in North Dakota
While child support is determined by North Dakota's guidelines, there are legitimate ways to ensure your obligation is calculated fairly.
Increase Parenting Time
In North Dakota, 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
North Dakota 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 North Dakota
Calculation Model
Percentage of Income
Guidelines Source
State Statute
Review Frequency
Every 4 Years
Last Updated
January 15, 2024
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