Wisconsin Child Support Calculator
Calculate estimated child support using Wisconsin's official guidelines
About Wisconsin's Guidelines
Percentage of Income Standard
Note: Flat percentages: 17% (1 child) to 34% (5+ children) of gross income
Key Information
- •Model: Percentage of Income
- •Last Updated: January 15, 2024
Common Deviation Factors
Monthly Income
Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin family law attorney for official calculations.
Official Wisconsin Court Forms
Download official court forms from the Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin court websites. Forms are free and provided by the state judiciary.
Wisconsin Child Support Guidelines
Wisconsin uses the Wisconsin Percentage of Income Standard (DCF 150) to determine child support obligations. Under the Percentage of Income model, a fixed percentage of the non-custodial parent's gross income is applied based on the number of children. This approach focuses primarily on the paying parent's ability to contribute.
Wisconsin has several distinctive features in its child support system. Wisconsin has a clear shared placement formula starting at 25% — one of the most transparent in the country. The shared placement formula uses a "cross-calculation" where each parent's obligation is calculated, adjusted for time, then offset. Wisconsin includes a "serial family" adjustment for parents with children from multiple relationships.
Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin is $1,275/month, ensuring the paying parent retains enough income to cover basic living expenses.
How Wisconsin Calculates Child Support
Wisconsin follows a 6-step process under the Wisconsin Percentage of Income Standard (DCF 150):
- 1
Calculate each parent's gross monthly income from all sources
- 2
For sole placement: apply percentage to obligor's income (17% for 1 child, 25% for 2, etc.)
- 3
For shared placement (25-50% each): calculate each parent's obligation using the percentage, multiply each by 150%, prorate by placement time, offset
- 4
For split placement: calculate separate obligations for children with each parent, offset
- 5
Apply the serial family adjustment if applicable
- 6
Court may deviate for low income, high income, or special circumstances
Income Thresholds & Key Numbers in Wisconsin
Self-Support Reserve
$1,275/mo
Shared Custody Threshold
92 nights/yr
25% of overnights
Income Basis
gross
Support Percentages by Number of Children
17%
1 child
25%
2 children
29%
3 children
31%
4 children
34%
5 children
Custody Time Adjustments in Wisconsin
Wisconsin recognizes "Shared Placement (25-50%)" when the non-custodial parent has the children for at least 92 overnights per year (approximately 25% 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 Wisconsin'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 92 overnights, Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin Child Support
What is shared placement in Wisconsin?
What percentage is Wisconsin child support?
What is the serial family adjustment?
How to Reduce Child Support Costs in Wisconsin
While child support is determined by Wisconsin's guidelines, there are legitimate ways to ensure your obligation is calculated fairly.
Increase Parenting Time
In Wisconsin, 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
Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin
Calculation Model
Percentage of Income
Guidelines Source
State Statute
Review Frequency
Every 4 Years
Last Updated
January 15, 2024
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