Child Support by State 2026

Last reviewed: March 2026

Every state calculates child support differently. Most states (46) use the Income Shares model, which combines both parents' incomes to determine the support obligation. A few states use the Percentage of Income model (2 states), and 3 states use the Melson Formula, a needs-based approach. The table below shows the model and age limit for each state.

Understanding the three child support models

Income Shares (46 states)

The most common model. Both parents' incomes are combined and a schedule determines the total child support obligation based on the number of children. The obligation is then divided proportionally based on each parent's share of the combined income.

Percentage of Income (2 states)

Used by Texas and Wisconsin. A flat percentage of the non-custodial parent's income is applied based on the number of children. This model is simpler but does not directly consider the custodial parent's income.

Melson Formula (3 states)

Used by Delaware, Hawaii, and Montana. This needs-based model first ensures each parent can meet their own basic living costs before calculating child support. It is the most complex model and accounts for the self-support needs of both parents.