Rhode Island Child Support Calculator

How RI Calculates Child Support

Rhode Island calculates child support by first combining your and the other parent's gross incomes to determine a total support obligation, as if you were still living together. Your share of this total is then based on your percentage of the combined income. This process is governed by the Rhode Island Family Court Administrative Orders.

Understanding Shared Custody Adjustments

In Rhode Island, shared physical custody can change the child support amount, but only if the non-custodial parent has the child for at least 146 overnights per year (40% of the time). As outlined in the Rhode Island Child Support Guidelines, once this threshold is met, a different formula is used which increases the basic support obligation by 50% and then credits each parent for the time they spend with the child.

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✓ Verified for 2026 Guidelines • Reviewed October 2026 by Harmoney

Rhode Island Child Support Guidelines at a Glance

Guideline Model Income Shares Model
Governing Legal Authority R.I. Family Court Administrative Order 2007-03
Shared Custody Threshold 146 Overnights (40% time)
Age Support Ends Age 18 (or 19 if still in High School)
Modification Standard Substantial Change in Circumstances (often a 10% change in support amount)

Rhode Island Child Support FAQs


At what age does child support end in RI?

Child support in Rhode Island typically ends when a child turns 18, but it can be extended until their 19th birthday if they are still enrolled full-time in high school. This rule is established under R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-5-16.2.

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

If a parent is unemployed or underemployed in Rhode Island, the court will typically impute potential income to them based on their recent work history, occupational qualifications, and prevailing job opportunities. This means support is calculated based on what the parent could be earning, ensuring the child's needs are met.

How do I modify a child support order in RI?

You can modify a child support order in Rhode Island by proving a substantial change in circumstances has occurred since the last order was entered. While there is no set percentage, a change in either parent's income that results in at least a 10% change in the guideline support amount is often considered substantial under R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-5-16.

Does RI child support cover college expenses?

No, Rhode Island courts cannot order a parent to pay for college expenses after a child has reached the age of majority. Payment for post-secondary education can only be enforced if the parents have voluntarily signed a written agreement to contribute.

How does RI handle health insurance and childcare costs?

Health insurance premiums and work-related childcare costs are treated as mandatory add-ons to the basic child support obligation and are divided between the parents in proportion to their respective shares of their combined gross income. These expenses are added to the basic support amount before the final transfer payment is determined.