Wisconsin Child Support Calculator

At what age does child support end in WI?

Child support in Wisconsin typically ends when a child turns 18, but it can extend to age 19 if the child is still pursuing a high school diploma or its equivalent. This rule is established under Wisconsin Statutes § 767.511(4) to ensure support continues until the child has completed their secondary education.

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

If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, a Wisconsin court will impute income to them based on their earning capacity, considering their past earnings, skills, and job opportunities. This practice, outlined in Wis. Admin. Code DCF 150.03(3), ensures that a parent cannot avoid their support obligation by choosing not to work.

How do I modify a child support order in WI?

You can modify a child support order in Wisconsin by showing a substantial change in circumstances has occurred since the last order was entered. As defined by Wisconsin Statutes § 767.59, a change in circumstances that would result in at least a 15% difference in the support payment is presumed to be a substantial change.

Does WI child support cover college expenses?

No, Wisconsin law does not mandate that parents pay for a child's college or post-secondary education expenses. Under Wis. Stat. § 767.511(4), child support obligations terminate at age 18 (or 19 if still in high school), but parents can voluntarily agree to contribute to college costs in a binding court order.

How does WI handle health insurance and childcare costs?

Wisconsin courts will order one or both parents to provide health insurance for the child and will typically split reasonable, work-related childcare costs and out-of-pocket medical expenses between the parents. These expenses, known as variable costs, are handled separately from the base support calculation and are allocated according to state law to ensure the child's needs are met.