Estimate Wisconsin child support using the Percentage of Gross Income Model. Free, private, and updated for 2026.
Legal Disclaimer
These calculators provide estimates for educational purposes only. Child support and family law calculations vary significantly by state, judge, and individual circumstances. Results are not legal advice and do not create an attorney-client relationship. Consult a licensed family law attorney in Wisconsin for advice specific to your situation.
Wisconsin uses the Percentage of Gross Income Model to determine child support obligations. Wisconsin uses the Percentage of Gross Income model based on the payer's gross income. Percentages: 17% for 1 child, 25% for 2, 29% for 3, 31% for 4, and 34% for 5+ children. Wisconsin is also a community property state (marital property is split equally at divorce).
Wisconsin adjusts the percentage downward when the payer has more than one family. For shared custody (each parent has at least 25% of overnight time), Wisconsin applies a different calculation. Wisconsin's guidelines are straightforward compared to income shares states.
Wisconsin courts use the Percentage of Gross Income Model worksheets for official calculations. Wisconsin does not provide an official public calculator. The Wisconsin Child Support Program (dcf.wisconsin.gov/cs) provides enforcement services and worksheets.
Alex earns $5,500/month gross income. Jordan earns $3,200/month. They have 2 children in Wisconsin. Alex has primary custody; Jordan has standard visitation (every other weekend, approximately 73 overnights/year).
This example uses approximate calculations. Actual Wisconsin child support requires the official Percentage of Gross Income Model worksheet or software and should be verified with a licensed family law attorney or the court.
Both Parents' Income
Wisconsin's Percentage of Gross Income Model bases support on the paying parent's income. The other parent's income does not directly affect the calculation for primary custody arrangements, though it matters for shared custody adjustments.
Custody and Parenting Time
Wisconsin adjusts child support based on the amount of parenting time each parent has. More overnight time with the paying parent generally reduces the support obligation — reflecting that the paying parent directly absorbs the children's costs during their parenting time. Wisconsin adjusts the percentage downward when the payer has more than one family.
Health Insurance and Childcare
Health insurance premiums for the children and work-related childcare costs are added to the basic child support obligation in Wisconsin. The cost is typically split proportionally based on each parent's share of combined income. These add-ons can significantly increase the total support obligation, particularly in cases with high childcare or health insurance costs.
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Wisconsin uses the Percentage of Gross Income Model to calculate child support. Wisconsin uses the Percentage of Gross Income model based on the payer's gross income. The guideline amount is the starting point, but courts may deviate based on special circumstances such as a child's extraordinary medical needs, travel costs for visitation, or significantly different financial situations from the guideline assumptions. Always confirm your specific calculation with a Wisconsin family law attorney.
Wisconsin calculates child support based on the paying parent's net monthly income after taxes and mandatory deductions. Courts may also impute income to a parent who is voluntarily underemployed or unemployed without good cause — meaning they may be held to what they could earn rather than what they actually earn.
No. In Wisconsin, shared custody reduces but does not eliminate child support in most cases. When both parents share custody equally, Wisconsin typically uses an offset method where each parent's guideline support is calculated and the higher earner pays the difference. The goal is to ensure the children maintain a similar standard of living in both households. If incomes are nearly equal, the resulting payment may be very small, but it rarely drops to zero unless incomes are identical.
In Wisconsin, child support generally continues until the child reaches the age of majority (typically age 18), graduates from high school, or is otherwise emancipated — whichever occurs later up to the state maximum. Courts may also continue support for adult disabled children who cannot support themselves. Support does not automatically end — the paying parent must file for termination when the child ages out or becomes emancipated.
Yes. Wisconsin child support can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances. Most states, including Wisconsin, require that the new calculated amount differ from the existing order by at least 15% — or that three years have passed since the order was entered, triggering an automatic review. Changes that typically qualify include significant income changes for either parent, a change in custody arrangement, a child's new medical needs, or loss of health insurance coverage. Modifications require filing a motion with the family court — the original order remains in effect until a new order is entered.