How is Child Support Calculated in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin uses overnights, or where the children sleep, to determine how much child support should be paid by the non-residential parent. Joint custody payments vary depending on overnights, but for sole custody, the court uses the standard percentage model based on the number of children.
- For 1 child, it is 17%
- For 2 children, it is 25%
- For 3 children it is 29%
- For 4 children, it is 31%
- For 5 children, it is 34%
How to calculate child support in Wisconsin
Every state has set child support guidelines as well as several different child support worksheets you can fill out. There are also options when determining child support. In Wisconsin, our support order guidelines help determine the amount due from one spouse to the other in the event of a divorce or legal separation. Below you will find the type of information you need to as well as the percentages required for payment based on Wisconsin DCF 150. You can also click here to use our child support calculator.
First, we need to calculate the paying party's net income. To determine net income we need to add up monies considered income like the following:
- Wages
- Overtime work
- Commissions
- Tips
- Bonuses
- Rental income
- Interest income
Once the gross income is determined the court will determine the net income of the paying party. This is not done by using tax returns rather the court will deduct social security taxes, federal income taxes based on the tax rate for a single person claiming one personal exemption and the standard deduction, state income tax, union dues, and expenses for the cost of health insurance for the child. It is also worth mentioning that child support is not taxable by the spouse receiving it, so it will not be a tax related issue for the recipient of it.
The court will then use a standard percentage model based on the number of children.
- For 1 child, it is 17%
- For 2 children, it is 25%
- For 3 children it is 29%
- For 4 children, it is 31%
- For 5 children, it is 34%
Wisconsin Child Support Examples for Sole Custody
| Monthly Income | 1 child (17%) | 2 children (25%) | 3 children (29%) | 4 children (31%) | 5 children (34%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,500 | $255 | $375 | $435 | $465 | $510 |
| $2,000 | $340 | $500 | $580 | $620 | $680 |
| $2,500 | $425 | $625 | $725 | $775 | $850 |
| $3,000 | $510 | $750 | $870 | $930 | $1,020 |
| $3,500 | $595 | $875 | $1,015 | $1,085 | $1,190 |
| $4,000 | $680 | $1,000 | $1,160 | $1,240 | $1,360 |
To refer directly to the DCF 150 review page 2 of the pdf the section labeled DCF 150.03 Support Orders (1)
Below is a worksheet the state of Wisconsin has published to help calculate the amount child support payers will pay in child support. It is referenced as Appendix B in the DCF 150.03 (1)
Wisconsin Child Support Calculation Sheet
If you need further assistance please contact us we would be happy to help.
Book a Consult
Get Answers from Top Rated Attorneys
Get Legal Advice
Sit down with a top rated local attorney and discuss your case. The stress of the unknown can be resolved with just a phone call or a few clicks.
Attend a Seminar
Thinking about moving forward with a divorce or separation? Not sure where to start? Get a clear picture of your options by attending a seminar.
What our Clients are Saying
"Thank you Sterling Law Offices, S.C., for helping me with my case. My situation was complicated with a lot of emotions, attorney Trisha Festerling and Katy Eckhardt were both professional and well organized. Thank you for your time and effort in this matter, it made a world of difference with my situation. Again your time and professionalism were greatly appreciated in this matter, I will highly recommend your services to anyone in need of a great attorney! Thank you again Sterling Law Offices!"
Flor R.Sterling Law Offices, S.C.
Average Rating
We are Always Here to Help
Kelley S.
Client Advocate
Nancy S.
Paralegal
Lynne B.
Client Advocate
Have a question? Get in touch today.
Schedule an Attorney Consult!
