WISCONSIN Part 51

Calculating Child Support Payments: the Guidelines

After you have the numbers on the paying parent’s income, you can follow a guideline (or in some cases, there are on-line calculators) to estimate the amount of child support. Click here for the guideline calculators. If you are seeking payments, then you will need the other parent’s cooperation to get the information you need. Even if the two of you can work together to calculate your responsibilities, a court must approve the amount you agree to provide.

If you have not been able to get the other parent to cooperate, then you will need the court’s help. Once a parent files a request for child support with the court, both parents will be required to disclose accurate financial information. Then, the court will use the same calculator that you could use yourself, but only a court can order a parent to pay.