Oregon Child Support Guidelines
By Olivia Wathne, Esq. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed May 19, 2025
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The Oregon child support program is overseen by the Oregon Department of Justice. The child support guideline rules provide a clear method for calculating the amount of child support each parent must contribute to meet their child's needs. A judge may determine the child support obligation for one or both parents and issue a child support order accordingly. Parents can make child support payments and access various child support services through their local child support office, ensuring the process is efficient and transparent.
Determining Child Support
The Oregon court will make a child support order based on an income-share formula in the guidelines. The court considers each parent’s income and the amount of time each parent spends with the child, otherwise known as parenting time. The court also takes other expenses into account that include childcare costs, medical support, and the number of minor children the parents are supporting.
To learn more about how child support is calculated in the state, try out the state's online child support calculator. This child support guidelines calculator serves as a guide and shouldn't be used to obtain an exact measurement of the support obligation.
For the wellbeing of the child, it's preferable that both parents consent to the calculation of support so that an order can be made. If either one of the parents does not consent, then an administrative hearing in front of an administrative law judge is held to determine the level of support.
When Does Child Support End?
A child support order or health care coverage order continues until the child is 18 years old. However, when a child is between the ages of 18 and 21, they may continue to qualify for support (child support or health care) if they are attending school. If the child is married, emancipated, or an active member of the military on active duty, then they don't qualify for extended coverage.
Oregon Child Support Code Sections |
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|---|---|
Who Is Responsible? |
Both parents are responsible for the welfare and support of their children |
How Is Support Calculated? |
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Factors |
"Income-Share" and "Time-Share" (see above for explanation). Spousal support and support for children outside the relationship can also apply. |
What Monthly Expenses Can the Judge Order? |
Monetary support (food, clothing, & shelter), health insurance, and back payments and interest. This also can include child care, unpaid medical bills, visitation travel costs, and extracurricular activities. |
Age of Child |
A child support order or health care coverage order continues until the child is 18 years old. However, where a child is between the ages of 18 and 21, they may still continue to qualify for support (child support or health care) if they are attending school. However, if the child is married, emancipated, or an active member of the military on active duty, then they cannot qualify for extended coverage. |
Additional Resources
Get Legal Advice on Oregon’s Child Support Guidelines
Understanding Oregon's child support guidelines can be complex. Determining the appropriate amount of child support or modifying existing obligations requires a clear understanding of the state's child support guideline rules. Consult with an Oregon family law attorney today on your child support case.
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