North Dakota Child Support Guidelines
By Olivia Wathne, Esq. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed April 16, 2025
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North Dakota requires noncustodial parents to pay child support to the custodial parent when a couple gets divorced or doesn't live together. The noncustodial parent who pays support is the "obligor." The custodial parent getting support is the "obligee."
The North Dakota Department of Human Services oversees the current child support guidelines. These guidelines calculate the amount of support an obligor must pay. The state bases these guidelines on income, number of children, and specific expenses.
If you have a child support dispute, hire a family law attorney.
How Is Child Support Calculated?
Child support calculations can get quite complicated. It depends on each family's needs, income, and other factors. Key considerations include the number of children needing support, child care expenses, medical expenses, custody arrangement, and the amount of time each parent spends with the children. The court typically begins with a guideline amount. It bases this amount on the net income of the obligor and the state's child support formula.
But the court may deviate from the guideline amount to ensure it orders the correct amount. Deviations can include sudden altered income, disability, job loss, or unexpected medical expenses. When something like this happens, a parent may petition the court to adjust the amount of child support to reflect the situation.
North Dakota Child Support Guidelines: The Basics
North Dakota's Administrative Code outlines how courts calculate an obligor's child support obligation. This is based on a percentage of the obligor's income. This language can be complicated for a non-attorney to understand. That's why we've provided the following "plain English" summary of these guidelines below.
Code | North Dakota Administrative Code: Chapter 75-02-04.1 |
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Calculation of obligor's net income | First, determine the obligor's gross income:
Net income is gross income minus the following:
Note: These are the main categories; other types of income and expenses may be exempt from gross income. |
Determination of support amount | General instructions for determining the amount of support:
|
Valid reasons for deviating from support guidelines | To deviate from North Dakota's child support guidelines (higher or lower), a parent must prove through a preponderance of the evidence that it is in the child's best interests and one or more of the following:
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Child support forms and worksheets |
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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 laws you are researching.
North Dakota Child Support Guidelines: Related Resources
A Lawyer Can Help You Navigate North Dakota's Child Support Guidelines
State guidelines determine child support payments in part. These guidelines establish amounts based on parents' income and other factors. An attorney can help you get what your child deserves, whether you need to establish paternity or find hidden sources of income. Get started by contacting an experienced North Dakota family law attorney today.
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