Child Support Calculations in D.C.
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed March 21, 2019
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One of the duties of parenthood is financially supporting your minor children. A child support order helps to ensure that parents fulfill this responsibility by requiring that they pay a certain amount of money to help with the costs of child-rearing.
The District of Columbia provides a child support calculator that estimates a child support amount when a user inputs specific data. However, the accuracy of the calculator may be questionable and the court will make case-by-case determinations. The calculations are based on both parents' incomes, child support for other children, child care costs, health care expenses, and other factors and must comply with the state's support guidelines.
Child Support Calculations in D.C.: A Summary
Consulting with an attorney can help you to best understand the legal concepts found in statutory law. However, it's also useful to have a straightforward breakdown of a statute in plain language. See the chart below for an overview of the law that governs child support calculations in D.C.
Statutes |
District of Columbia Code Division II. Judiciary and Judicial Procedure: |
Gross Income
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"Gross Income" includes, but is not limited to, the following sources:
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Deductions |
Some items can be deducted from the parents' gross income. For instance, alimony paid by either party to the other party is deducted from the gross income of the alimony-paying parent before the child support obligation is determined. Each parent may receive a deduction from gross income for each child living in the parents' home for whom the parent owes a legal duty to pay support, but isn't part of the support order. How to Make the Deduction The amount of the deduction shall be calculated by determining the basic child support obligation for the additional child in the parent's home, using only the income of the parent entitled to the deduction. This figure is multiplied by 75%, and the resulting amount subtracted from the parent's gross income before the child support obligation is computed. |
How to Make the Calculations |
Note: When the parents don't have shared physical custody, the parent that doesn't primarily live with the child pays their share of the BCSO to the residential parent. |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Child Support Calculations in D.C.: Related Resources
- District of Columbia Child Support Guidelines
- Child Support Modification in D.C.
- Child Support Amounts
Need Help with D.C. Child Support Calculations? Contact an Attorney
Calculating child support calculations in D.C. may require more than imputing figures. If you're confused about how much you need to pay or how much support you should receive, discuss your situation with a skilled professional. Contact a D.C. child support attorney for help with calculations or other child support issues.
Next Steps: Search for a Local Attorney
Contact a qualified attorney.