Vermont Child Support Calculator

How Vermont Calculates Child Support

Vermont determines child support by looking at what you and the other parent would have spent on your children if you were still together. The state combines both of your incomes, finds a total support amount from a guideline chart, and then splits that responsibility based on your share of the combined income.

Understanding VT's Shared Custody Rules

If a parent cares for the children for at least 109 nights a year (about 30% of the time), Vermont considers it shared custody and uses a different formula. This method increases the total basic support amount by 50% and then credits each of you for the time you spend caring for the children, which often reduces the final payment amount.

Vermont Child Support FAQs

At what age does child support end in VT?

In Vermont, child support typically ends when a child turns 18. However, if the child is still a full-time student in high school, support continues until they graduate or turn 19, whichever happens first.

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

If a parent is unemployed or underemployed without a good reason, a Vermont court can 'impute income.' This means the judge will calculate support based on what that parent *could* be earning, often using factors like their work history, qualifications, or at least a full-time minimum wage salary.

How do I modify a child support order in VT?

You can request to modify a child support order if there has been a 'real, substantial, and unanticipated change of circumstances.' In Vermont, a change that would result in a 10% or more difference in the calculated support amount is generally considered substantial enough to warrant a modification.

Does VT child support cover college expenses?

Yes, unlike many states, Vermont courts have the authority to order parents to help pay for their child's post-secondary (college or vocational school) education expenses. These orders can continue until the child reaches the age of 23.

How does VT handle health insurance and childcare costs?

The costs of work-related childcare and health insurance premiums for the children are treated as add-on expenses. These amounts are added to the basic child support obligation and are divided between the parents in proportion to their respective incomes.