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State-Specific Child Support Information and Guidelines

By Danielle Gilmore, Esq. | Legally reviewed by John Mascolo, Esq. | Last reviewed

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.

State-specific child support information and guidelines will vary from state to state, because each state establishes its own laws. These states have their own child support calculators and guidelines parents can use to help estimate child support.

There are common threads that tie child support laws together across the country. But each state has its own laws and procedures.

Most child support enforcement occurs at the local level. States use wage withholding or income withholding orders to get payment from the child support obligors. A number of federal laws and federal regulations reinforce state activities.

How State Law Impacts Child Support

Like other family law issues, such as the custody of the child, the judge will use state law to make child support-related decisions. The court weighs evidence using the “best interests of the child" standard. It also considers the specific needs of the child.

The amount of child support that the noncustodial parent pays depends on state child support guidelines and state law. Likewise, state law will govern the details of modifying the payment amount in a current child support order.

It’s a good idea for parents to get familiar with the relevant law in their child support case. Some states use formulas to divide children’s health care premiums and other health care costs between the parents.

Most states provide calculators for determining child support payments and enforcement data. You can fill out online forms with your demographic information and contact information. It may include the following:

  • The number of children and their ages
  • Who has physical custody
  • Social Security number
  • Children’s health insurance coverage (medical expenses or other medical support)
  • Tax information (tax refunds, income tax returns)
  • Income information (parents’ gross income, self-employment wages)
  • Alimony or spousal support information
  • Any government benefits (public assistance, worker’s compensation, Social Security)
  • Childcare expenses
  • The children’s standard of living when the parents were together

Court orders use state guidelines as the starting point. The final amount of support depends on the unique circumstances of each case. Below you will find links to state-specific child support information and/or guidelines.

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

District of Columbia

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

Get State-Specific Child Support Information and Help from a Local Attorney

Resources and help for state-specific child support are available from Maine to Minnesota, California to New York. Learn about child support laws and enforcement guidelines in your state. Know your rights. Know your obligations. Know how to get answers. Consider speaking with a family law attorney near you and get some peace of mind.

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Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?

  • Some states allow you to set up child support with forms and court processes
  • You may need legal help to set up or modify child support arrangements
  • If there is conflict, an attorney can advise if the other parent’s actions are legal 

Get tailored advice about paying or receiving child support. Many attorneys offer free consultations.

Find a local attorney

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Don't Forget About Estate Planning

Once new child support arrangements are in place, it’s an ideal time to create or change your estate planning forms. Take the time to add new beneficiaries to your will and name a guardian for any minor children. Consider creating a financial power of attorney so your agent can pay bills and make sure your children are provided for. A health care directive explains your health care decisions and takes the decision-making burden off your children when they become adults.

Start Planning

You Don’t Have To Solve This on Your Own – Get a Lawyer’s Help

Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help.

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