If you are a parent considering divorce in Wisconsin, you will likely have questions regarding your child support obligation. The amount of child support that you will pay is determined by how many overnights the children spend at each parent’s home throughout the year. For parents who have less than 25 percent placement, child support is based on the following percentages of gross income:
- 17% for one child
- 25% for 2 children
- 29% for 3 children
- 31% for 4 children
- 34% for 5 or more children
Wisconsin Shared Placement Calculator
If placement exceeds 25%, or at least 92 days per year, child support will be based on both parent’s income and the percentage of time (overnights or *equivalent of) each parent has with the children. Visit DCF link to access a shared placement calculator to determine support.
*The definition of equivalent care provides that blocks of time with the child of at least six hours may be considered the equivalent of a half-day if a meal is provided during that time period. Courts may consider two, half-day blocks the equivalent of an overnight.
How Are Childcare Costs Handled When Determining Child Support?
Keep in mind that variable costs such as child care, tuition, special needs and certain activities are in addition to the calculation and will be separately ordered based upon lists furnished by the parties. Typically variable expenses correlate to the percentage of shared placement time, however the court has discretion in this regard.
Costs of healthcare for the children can be allocated which may result in an adjustment to each party’s child support obligation. Unreimbursed medical care is considered a shared expense.
Factoring in Child Support From a Previous Marriage
If a parent’s gross income is more than 7K a month or $84,000 per year, there is a separate calculation for high income payors. For those who are paying child support for children from a previous a relationship on a separate order, information can be found under the serial payor calculation option on the same DFS site.
Contact a Waukesha Child Support Lawyer for Help
Every situation is unique, so it is important to discuss your specific concerns with an experienced Wisconsin child support lawyer. For your free, half-hour initial consultation with an experienced family law attorney for child support or any other family law matter, contact Probst Law Offices S.C. for help at 414-210-3135.