North Dakota Child Support Calculator

How is Child Support Calculated in North Dakota?

To estimate your child support, North Dakota takes your net income and multiplies it by a set percentage based on how many children you have. This straightforward 'Percentage of Obligor Income' model is governed by North Dakota Administrative Code § 75-02-04.1 and focuses solely on the paying parent's income to determine the base obligation.

ND Shared Custody & Support Adjustments

In North Dakota, if a parent has 'equal physical custody,' the child support calculation changes significantly. This requires a court order for equal custody or for the paying parent to have the children for at least 164 overnights per year. Under N.D. Admin. Code § 75-02-04.1-08.1, the court then calculates a support obligation for each parent and offsets them, with the higher earner paying the difference to the lower earner.

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✓ Verified for 2026 Guidelines • Reviewed October 2026 by Harmoney

North Dakota Child Support Guidelines at a Glance

Guideline Model Percentage of Obligor Income
Governing Legal Authority N.D. Admin. Code § 75-02-04.1
Shared Custody Threshold 164 Overnights (45% time) for Equal Custody Adjustment
Age Support Ends Age 18 (or 19 if in High School)
Modification Standard 15% Change & $50/month change in Support Amount

Frequently Asked Questions about ND Child Support


At what age does child support end in ND?

Child support in North Dakota ends when a child turns 18, but it may continue until age 19 if the child is still enrolled full-time in high school. This rule is established by North Dakota Century Code § 14-09-08.2. The obligation terminates automatically on the child's 18th birthday or upon high school graduation, whichever occurs later, without a new court order.

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

If a parent is unemployed or underemployed in North Dakota, the court will typically impute income to them based on their earning capacity, not their actual earnings. The court determines this potential income by looking at the parent's work history, qualifications, and local job market opportunities, as permitted by N.D. Admin. Code § 75-02-04.1-07.

How do I modify a child support order in ND?

A North Dakota child support order can be modified if there is a material change in circumstances that results in a new calculated amount that is at least 15% and $50 per month different from the current order. This standard for modification is established under N.D. Admin. Code § 75-02-04.1-13. A review can also be requested every three years without showing a change in circumstances.

Does ND child support cover college expenses?

North Dakota law does not require a parent to pay for college expenses, as the child support obligation legally ends at the age of majority. Parents may, however, voluntarily agree to contribute to college costs and make that agreement part of a legally binding court order.

How does ND handle health insurance and childcare costs?

Health insurance premiums and reasonable work-related childcare costs are typically added to the base child support obligation and divided between the parents in proportion to their respective incomes. This ensures that these necessary expenses are shared fairly between the parents, as detailed in the guidelines under N.D. Admin. Code § 75-02-04.1-10.