Indiana Child Support Calculator

How Indiana Calculates Child Support

In Indiana, the court calculates child support by first combining you and the other parent's weekly gross incomes to determine a total shared obligation. Your share of this basic obligation is based on your percentage of the combined income. This process is governed by the Indiana Child Support Rules and Guidelines to ensure a fair and consistent standard for children.

IN Shared Custody & Parenting Time Adjustments

In Indiana, shared physical custody significantly impacts the final child support amount through a Parenting Time Credit. Under the Indiana Child Support Guidelines, this credit begins once a parent has the children for at least 52 overnights per year. The credit increases with the number of overnights, reducing that parent's support obligation to reflect the direct costs of caring for the children during their parenting time.

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✓ Verified for 2026 Guidelines • Reviewed October 2026 by Harmoney

Indiana Child Support Guidelines at a Glance

Guideline Model Income Shares Model
Governing Legal Authority Indiana Child Support Rules and Guidelines
Shared Custody Threshold 52 Overnights Annually
Age Support Ends Age 19 (unless child is incapacitated)
Modification Standard 20% Change in Support Amount & 12 Months Since Last Order

Frequently Asked Questions About IN Child Support


At what age does child support end in IN?

Child support in Indiana generally terminates when a child turns 19 years old, as mandated by Indiana Code § 31-16-6-6. This obligation is not tied to high school graduation, but a court may order support to continue for a child of any age who is incapacitated, and parents can separately petition for post-secondary educational expenses.

How is child support calculated if one parent is unemployed in IN?

If a parent is unemployed or underemployed without just cause, an Indiana court will calculate child support by imputing potential income to that parent. This imputed income is based on the parent's work history, skills, education, and local job market opportunities, ensuring the child's needs are met based on the parent's earning capacity per the Indiana Child Support Guidelines.

How do I modify a child support order in IN?

You can modify a child support order in Indiana by showing a substantial and continuing change in circumstances that makes the current order unreasonable. A change is often considered substantial if the new calculated support amount would be at least 20% different from the existing order and at least 12 months have passed since it was issued.

Does IN child support cover college expenses?

Indiana courts have the authority to order parents to contribute to a child's post-secondary educational expenses, but it is not automatic and must be specifically requested. A petition for educational support must typically be filed before the child turns 19, and the court will consider the child's aptitude and the parents' financial ability to pay.

How does IN handle health insurance and childcare costs?

Health insurance premiums and reasonable work-related childcare costs are added to the basic child support obligation and are typically divided between the parents in proportion to their gross incomes. The Indiana Child Support Guidelines treat these as necessary add-on expenses to ensure they are shared equitably.