The standard guideline for the payment of Wisconsin child support is based on the payer’s gross income and the number of children involved. The guideline percentage amounts are:
17% for one child
25% for two children
29% for three children
31% for four children
34% for five or more children
Because every situation is unique, the court may deviate up or down from standard guidelines after considering factors such as each parents income, placement arrangements, and whether there are children from another marriage/relationship who also receive support.
Basic Child Support
Generally, Wisconsin child support covers basic costs such as food, shelter, clothing, as well as transportation costs and personal care necessities for children under the age of 18, and up to age 19 if the child is still in high school.
Child Support for Variable Costs
Under some circumstances, a parent may be required to pay variable costs in addition to basic support costs such as child care expenses, tuition, or special needs.
How is Child Support Paid in Wisconsin?
State law requires orders for child support include income withholding. Payments will be logged by the payment processing center in Wisconsin and then distributed to the recipient. For payers that are self-employed or the like, payments may be made online, by mail or phone, and by cash or card at designated locations.
Past Due Child Support
If a payor falls behind on child support in an amount that equals or exceeds the amount due in one month, Wisconsin law requires past due child support interest charges of 0.5% per month (6% a year). The amount withheld from a payor’s paycheck may be increased up to 50% of the current support amount paid to cover past due amounts up to the allowable limit. Payment plans are available to tackle past due child support and may help the payor avoid consequences such as the loss of driving or professional licenses and liens or seizures of property.
Child Support Modification
Sometimes someone ordered to pay child support is unable to make payments because of a change in circumstances. If there has been a substantial change in circumstances such as a job loss or a pay increase, or even a change in the child’s living arrangement, a payer or recipient can request a modification to the child support order. An experienced Wisconsin child support attorney can help you with your child support issue. Contact Probst Law Offices for a free consultation at 414-210-3135.