Vermont Child Support Calculator

How is Child Support Calculated in Vermont?

In Vermont, your child support is calculated using an 'Income Shares' model, which aims to give your child the same portion of parental income they'd get if you lived together. Governed by 15 V.S.A. § 654, the court combines both parents' gross incomes, finds the total support amount from a state table, and then prorates that amount based on your percentage share of the combined income.

Understanding Shared Custody Adjustments in VT

When each parent cares for the children for 109 or more overnights per year (about 30% of the time), Vermont applies a shared custody formula under 15 V.S.A. § 657. This special calculation increases the total basic support obligation by 50% to account for duplicated costs in two households. The final amount is then adjusted based on each parent's income and the precise number of overnights they have.

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✓ Verified for 2026 Guidelines • Reviewed October 2026 by Harmoney

Vermont Child Support Guidelines at a Glance

Guideline Model Income Shares Model
Governing Legal Authority 15 V.S.A. § 654
Shared Custody Threshold 109 Overnights (30% time)
Age Support Ends Age 18 (or 19 if still in high school)
Modification Standard 10% Change in Support Amount

Vermont Child Support FAQs


At what age does child support end in VT?

Child support in Vermont generally ends when a child turns 18, but it can continue until the child graduates high school or turns 19, whichever comes first. This obligation is outlined in Vermont law under 15 V.S.A. § 658(c), which specifies that support continues for a child who is a student regularly attending high school past the age of majority.

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

If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed in Vermont, the court will typically impute income to them based on their potential earning capacity. This means the court calculates support based on what the parent could be earning, considering their work history, qualifications, and local job opportunities, as authorized by 15 V.S.A. § 653(5)(A)(iii).

How do I modify a child support order in VT?

You can modify a child support order in Vermont if there has been a 'real, substantial, and unanticipated change of circumstances,' which is automatically presumed if the new calculation differs from the current order by 10% or more. This standard is established by 15 V.S.A. § 660, allowing either parent to file a motion to modify the order when financial situations or custody arrangements change significantly.

Does VT child support cover college expenses?

No, Vermont law does not require a parent to pay for a child's college or other post-secondary educational expenses. Support obligations legally terminate at the age of majority as defined by statute, but parents can voluntarily agree to contribute to college costs and make that agreement part of a legally binding court order.

How does VT 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 divided between the parents in proportion to their respective incomes. Under 15 V.S.A. § 656, these necessary expenses are treated as 'add-ons' to the base support amount, ensuring both parents contribute fairly to the total costs of raising their children.