Rhode Island Child Support Calculator

How is Child Support Calculated in Rhode Island?

Think of it like a pie. First, the court combines your income and the other parent's income to see how big the whole pie is. Rhode Island then uses a state chart to decide how much of that pie should be set aside for the kids. Your slice, or what you pay, is based on your share of the combined income.

Understanding RI's Shared Custody Rules

When your child spends a significant amount of time with each parent (at least 146 overnights a year), Rhode Island uses a special shared parenting formula. This calculation increases the total support amount by 50% to reflect the costs of two households, and then credits each of you for the time the child spends in your home.

Rhode Island Child Support FAQs

At what age does child support end in RI?

In Rhode Island, child support typically ends when a child turns 18 and graduates from high school, but not beyond their 19th birthday. Support may be extended if the child has a severe physical or mental impairment that prevents them from being self-supporting.

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

If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, the court can 'impute income.' This means calculating support based on what the parent *could* be earning based on their skills, work history, and job opportunities. If unemployment is involuntary, the court may base support on unemployment benefits or set a minimum order.

How do I modify a child support order in RI?

You can request a modification by filing a motion with the Family Court, but you must prove a 'substantial change in circumstances.' In Rhode Island, a change is generally considered substantial if it would result in the support order changing by 10% or more.

Does RI child support cover college expenses?

Not automatically. However, the Rhode Island Family Court has the authority to order parents to contribute to post-secondary education expenses for a child up to age 23. The judge will consider factors like the parents' finances, the child's academic record, and available financial aid before making a decision.

How does RI handle health insurance and childcare costs?

These costs are treated as additions to the basic child support obligation. The cost of the child's portion of health insurance premiums and necessary work-related childcare expenses are added together and then divided between the parents in proportion to their respective shares of the combined income.