Vermont uses the income shares model to calculate child support, meaning both parents contribute proportionally based on their combined available incomes. The official Vermont child support calculator, maintained by the Department for Children and Families (DCF), applies guideline tables updated January 2, 2024, with a self-support reserve of $1,596 per month (effective February 2, 2026) and presumed income of $95,449.50 (effective July 1, 2025). For two parents earning a combined $100,000 annually with one child, the base child support obligation under 15 V.S.A. § 656 typically falls between $900 and $1,100 per month before adjustments for health insurance, child care, and extraordinary expenses. This guide walks you through every step of using the Vermont child support calculator, explains each input the worksheet requires, and details the deviation factors courts consider when adjusting the guideline amount.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Calculation Model | Income Shares (both parents contribute proportionally) |
| Governing Statute | 15 V.S.A. §§ 650-668 |
| Filing Fee (Divorce) | $295 standard; $90 with stipulation (as of March 2026) |
| Self-Support Reserve | $1,596/month (effective February 2, 2026) |
| Presumed Income | $95,449.50/year (effective July 1, 2025) |
| Shared Custody Threshold | 30% or more overnights per parent |
| Support Termination Age | 18, or completion of high school if later |
| Residency Requirement | 6 months to file; 1 year before final hearing |
| COPE Class Requirement | 4-hour class, $79 fee (reduced to $30 or $15 if needed) |
| Official Calculator | dcf.vermont.gov/ocs/parents/calculator |
How the Vermont Income Shares Model Works
Vermont calculates child support by combining both parents' available incomes, looking up the corresponding obligation on a guideline table, and splitting that obligation proportionally between the parents based on their income share. Under 15 V.S.A. § 656, the noncustodial parent pays their share in money to the custodial parent, while the custodial parent is presumed to spend their share directly on the child. For example, if Parent A earns 60% of the combined income, Parent A pays 60% of the total child support obligation.
The income shares model reflects Vermont's public policy that child support orders should approximate the standard of living the child would have enjoyed if the parents had remained together. Vermont's guideline tables, updated January 2, 2024, set the base obligation amounts by combined income and number of children. The next scheduled update of these tables is January 2, 2028.
Vermont courts treat the guideline calculation as a rebuttable presumption. The calculated amount is presumed correct unless a party demonstrates that applying the guidelines would be unfair to the child or to either parent under 15 V.S.A. § 659. Courts must make written findings explaining any deviation from the calculated amount.
What Counts as Available Income in Vermont
Available income under 15 V.S.A. § 653 equals gross income minus specific statutory deductions, including preexisting child support obligations, spousal support actually paid, FICA taxes (7.65% for employees, 15.3% for self-employed), and federal and state income taxes calculated using standard deductions. Vermont defines gross income broadly to include wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, investment income, rental income, Social Security benefits, workers' compensation, and unemployment insurance.
The child support calculator Vermont families use requires precise income figures from both parents. Courts may impute income to a voluntarily unemployed or underemployed parent using the presumed income figure of $95,449.50 per year (effective July 1, 2025). Imputed income ensures that a parent cannot reduce their child support obligation by choosing to earn less than their capacity.
For self-employed parents, available income is calculated from gross receipts minus ordinary and necessary business expenses. Vermont courts scrutinize self-employment deductions carefully, disallowing expenses that are personal in nature or that artificially reduce reported income. Depreciation, home office deductions, and vehicle expenses receive particular judicial attention in contested child support cases.
Deductions the Calculator Applies
- Preexisting child support obligations actually paid to other children
- Spousal support (alimony) obligations actually paid
- FICA taxes: 7.65% for W-2 employees, 15.3% for self-employed individuals
- Federal income taxes using standard deduction and applicable filing status
- Vermont state income taxes using standard deduction
- Earned income tax credits, if applicable to custodial parent
- Union dues and mandatory retirement contributions required as a condition of employment
Step-by-Step Guide to the Vermont Child Support Calculator
The official Vermont child support calculator is available free at the DCF website and requires approximately 15-20 minutes to complete accurately. Each parent needs recent tax returns, pay stubs, and documentation of health insurance costs and child care expenses before starting. The calculator produces a child support worksheet that mirrors the form Vermont courts require when establishing or modifying support orders.
Step 1: Enter Gross Income for Both Parents
Gather W-2 forms, 1099s, tax returns, and recent pay stubs for both parents. Enter annual gross income from all sources for each parent. The calculator accepts income on a monthly or annual basis. Include all income sources identified in 15 V.S.A. § 653: wages, self-employment income, investment returns, rental income, Social Security, pensions, and government benefits (excluding means-tested benefits like TANF and SSI).
Step 2: Apply Statutory Deductions
The calculator automatically subtracts FICA taxes based on employment type. Enter any preexisting child support paid to children from prior relationships and any spousal support obligations currently being paid. The calculator computes estimated federal and state taxes based on filing status and number of dependents. These deductions convert gross income to available income for each parent.
Step 3: Calculate Combined Available Income
The calculator adds both parents' available incomes together to determine the combined available income. This combined figure determines where the family falls on Vermont's child support guideline table. The guidelines cover combined incomes from the self-support reserve level up to $25,000 per month. When combined income exceeds the table maximum, courts exercise discretion under 15 V.S.A. § 656.
Step 4: Look Up the Base Child Support Obligation
Using the combined available income and the number of children, the calculator identifies the base child support obligation from the guideline table. Vermont's tables account for 1 through 6 or more children. For one child, the obligation typically represents approximately 20-25% of combined available income at moderate income levels. For two children, the percentage rises to approximately 28-33%.
Step 5: Add Adjustments for Additional Expenses
The base obligation is adjusted upward for child care costs necessary to allow a parent to work or attend education, health insurance premiums for covering the children, and extraordinary medical or educational expenses. These additions create the combined family expenditure, which is then divided proportionally between the parents based on their income shares.
Step 6: Determine Each Parent's Share
The calculator divides the total obligation between the parents in proportion to their share of the combined available income. If Parent A contributes 65% of combined income and Parent B contributes 35%, Parent A pays 65% of the total obligation. The noncustodial parent's share becomes the child support payment amount ordered by the court.
Shared Custody Calculations Under Vermont Law
When each parent exercises physical custody for 30% or more of a calendar year (110 or more overnights), Vermont applies a shared custody formula that increases the base child support obligation by 50% under 15 V.S.A. § 657. The 50% increase accounts for the additional costs of maintaining two households where the child resides. Each parent's obligation is then calculated based on both their income share and the proportion of time the child spends with each parent.
The shared custody calculation under the child support calculator Vermont courts use involves three variables: each parent's available income, the base obligation from the guidelines, and the percentage of overnights each parent exercises. A parent with 40% of overnights and 55% of income will pay a different amount than a parent with 50% of overnights and 55% of income. The increased base obligation combined with time-sharing percentages often results in a lower net payment from the higher-earning parent compared to a sole-custody arrangement.
Split custody arises when each parent has primary custody of at least one child from the same relationship. In split custody cases, the court calculates each parent's obligation for the children in the other parent's custody, and the parent owing the greater amount pays the difference to the other parent.
| Custody Arrangement | Threshold | Calculation Method |
|---|---|---|
| Sole Custody | One parent has more than 70% of overnights | Standard: base obligation split by income share |
| Shared Custody | Each parent has 30%+ of overnights (110+ nights) | Base obligation increased by 50%, split by income and time |
| Split Custody | Each parent has primary custody of at least one child | Separate calculations, net difference paid |
Deviation Factors: When Courts Adjust the Calculator Result
Vermont courts may deviate from the child support calculator result when strict application of the guidelines would be unfair to the child or to either parent. Under 15 V.S.A. § 659, the court considers specific factors before ordering an amount different from the guideline calculation. Any deviation requires written findings explaining why the guideline amount is inappropriate.
The deviation factors Vermont courts evaluate include:
- Extraordinary travel expenses for exercising parent-child contact, particularly when parents live far apart
- Extraordinary educational expenses for a child with special needs or attending private school by agreement
- Extraordinary medical expenses not covered by insurance
- The financial resources of the child, including assets or trust funds
- The standard of living the child would have enjoyed if the family remained intact
- The financial resources and needs of each parent
- Any other relevant factor the court deems material
The Vermont Supreme Court has clarified that only extraordinary expenses justify departing from the guidelines. Ordinary living expenses such as rent, utilities, and groceries cannot support a deviation because the guideline tables already account for typical household costs. A parent seeking deviation bears the burden of proving that their specific circumstances make the guideline amount unfair.
Health Insurance and Child Care Costs in the Calculation
Vermont law under 15 V.S.A. § 658 requires the court to allocate the cost of health insurance for the children between the parents. The cost of adding the children to an existing employer-sponsored health plan is added to the base child support obligation before dividing between parents. If neither parent has access to employer-sponsored coverage, the court may order one or both parents to obtain coverage and allocate the premium cost.
Child care costs necessary for employment or education are treated as an addition to the base obligation. Vermont uses actual child care costs rather than estimated costs. The parent paying child care submits documentation of the expense, and that cost is added to the base obligation and divided proportionally. Vermont child care costs average $10,000-$14,000 per year for infant care and $8,000-$11,000 for preschool-age children, though costs vary significantly by provider and region.
Medical expenses beyond insurance premiums, such as copays, deductibles, orthodontia, therapy, and prescription costs, are typically divided between parents in proportion to their income shares. The child support order specifies how uninsured medical expenses are handled, usually requiring the receiving parent to provide notice and documentation before the paying parent's share becomes due.
The Self-Support Reserve and Low-Income Adjustments
Vermont protects low-income parents through the self-support reserve, set at $1,596 per month effective February 2, 2026. When the noncustodial parent's available income falls below this threshold, the court uses discretion under 15 V.S.A. § 659 rather than applying the standard guidelines. Courts in these cases consider the factors in Section 659 and typically order a nominal support amount to maintain the legal obligation while ensuring the parent can meet basic living needs.
The self-support reserve prevents child support orders from pushing a paying parent below the poverty level. Vermont updates this figure periodically to reflect changes in living costs. The current $1,596 monthly reserve represents approximately 100% of the federal poverty guideline for a single individual. When a noncustodial parent earns between the self-support reserve and the lowest figure on the guideline table, courts interpolate between a nominal amount and the minimum guideline amount.
For parents with no income or income below the self-support reserve, Vermont courts may still order a nominal payment of $25-$50 per month to maintain the support obligation on record and to establish the noncustodial parent's responsibility.
How to Modify a Vermont Child Support Order
Either parent may file a motion to modify child support under 15 V.S.A. § 660 when there has been a real, substantial, and unanticipated change in circumstances since the existing order was established. Common qualifying changes include a job loss, a significant raise or pay cut, a child's changed medical needs, or a substantial change in the custody arrangement. Vermont courts generally consider a 10% or greater change in the calculated support amount as evidence of a real change in circumstances.
The modification process requires filing a motion with the Vermont Family Court that issued the original order. The filing fee for a modification motion is $90 as of March 2026. Both parents must complete updated financial affidavits and child support worksheets. The Vermont Office of Child Support (OCS) can assist parents in requesting modifications and will conduct a guideline recalculation using current income figures.
Vermont reviews child support orders every three years when requested by either parent or by the OCS. This triennial review allows orders to be updated to reflect changes in income, the guideline tables, and economic figures like the self-support reserve and presumed income without requiring proof of changed circumstances.
Enforcement of Vermont Child Support Orders
Vermont's Office of Child Support employs multiple enforcement tools when a parent falls behind on payments. Under 15 V.S.A. § 798, wage withholding is the primary enforcement method and is automatically triggered when any payment is 7 or more days late. The OCS issues a wage withholding notice directly to the employer, who must begin deducting support from the parent's paycheck.
Additional enforcement remedies available to the OCS include:
- Federal and state tax refund intercepts for past-due support
- Suspension of driver's licenses, professional licenses, and recreational licenses
- Reporting to credit bureaus, which damages the delinquent parent's credit score
- Passport denial for arrearages exceeding $2,500
- Bank account levies and property liens
- Contempt of court proceedings, which can result in fines or incarceration
License suspension under Vermont law requires the OCS to first notify the paying parent of the past-due amount and available remedies. A suspended license can be reinstated within 5 business days of the licensing agency receiving notice that the arrearage is paid in full or that the parent has agreed to a repayment plan.
When Does Child Support End in Vermont
Vermont child support obligations terminate when the child reaches age 18 or completes secondary education (high school), whichever occurs later, under 15 V.S.A. § 658. A child who turns 18 during their senior year of high school continues to receive support until graduation. Vermont courts cannot order child support beyond secondary education without the parents' agreement, meaning college expenses are not included in standard child support orders.
Child support also terminates if the child marries, is emancipated by court order, enters active military service, or dies. If a child becomes emancipated before age 18, the paying parent must file a motion to terminate the support obligation rather than simply stopping payments.
For families with multiple children, the support obligation does not automatically decrease when one child ages out. The paying parent must file a motion to modify the order, and the court will recalculate support based on the remaining number of children and current income figures.
Filing for Child Support in Vermont: Residency and Court Requirements
Under 15 V.S.A. § 592, either party must have resided in Vermont for at least 6 months to file for divorce, and at least one party must have resided in Vermont for 1 full year before the court can issue a final decree. Child support can be established as part of a divorce proceeding or as a standalone parentage action. The filing fee for a divorce complaint is $295, or $90 if both parties file a joint stipulation resolving all issues. Parents of minor children must complete Vermont's 4-hour COPE (Coping with Separation and Divorce) class at a cost of $79, with reductions to $30 or $15 available for those who cannot afford the fee.
Vermont Family Courts handle child support matters in the Superior Court, Family Division, in the county where either parent resides. Parents may represent themselves (pro se) and can use the official child support calculator Vermont provides through DCF to prepare their child support worksheet before the hearing. The Vermont Judiciary website at vermontjudiciary.org provides fillable court forms, including the child support worksheet (Form 400-00802).
Fee waivers are available for parents who cannot afford filing fees. The Application to Waive Filing Fees and Service Costs can be submitted with the initial filing, and courts evaluate eligibility based on household income and expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I find the official Vermont child support calculator?
The official Vermont child support calculator is available free at dcf.vermont.gov/ocs/parents/calculator, maintained by the Vermont Department for Children and Families. The calculator uses the current guideline tables (updated January 2, 2024) and produces a child support worksheet that mirrors the court-required form. Both parents need income documentation, health insurance costs, and child care expenses before using the calculator.
What is the self-support reserve in Vermont for 2026?
Vermont's self-support reserve is $1,596 per month, effective February 2, 2026. When a noncustodial parent's available income falls below this threshold, courts use discretion under 15 V.S.A. § 659 rather than applying standard guideline calculations. Courts typically order a nominal support amount of $25-$50 per month in these cases to maintain the legal obligation.
How does shared custody affect child support in Vermont?
When each parent has the child for 30% or more of the year (110+ overnights), Vermont increases the base child support obligation by 50% under 15 V.S.A. § 657 to account for dual-household costs. The total is then divided based on each parent's income share and time percentage. Shared custody often reduces the net payment from the higher-earning parent compared to sole custody arrangements.
Can Vermont courts deviate from the child support calculator result?
Yes. Under 15 V.S.A. § 659, courts may adjust the guideline amount when strict application would be unfair to the child or either parent. Deviation factors include extraordinary travel expenses for parent-child contact, extraordinary medical or educational expenses, and the child's financial resources. Courts must make written findings explaining any deviation, and only extraordinary expenses justify departure from the guidelines.
What income counts for Vermont child support calculations?
Available income under 15 V.S.A. § 653 includes wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, investment income, rental income, Social Security, workers' compensation, and unemployment insurance. Gross income is reduced by FICA taxes (7.65% for employees, 15.3% for self-employed), federal and state income taxes, preexisting child support paid, and spousal support actually paid.
How do I modify a child support order in Vermont?
File a motion with the Family Court showing a real, substantial, and unanticipated change in circumstances under 15 V.S.A. § 660. The filing fee is $90 as of March 2026. A 10% or greater change in the calculated amount generally qualifies. Either parent or the Office of Child Support can also request a triennial review every three years without proving changed circumstances.
What happens if my ex does not pay child support in Vermont?
Vermont's Office of Child Support enforces orders through automatic wage withholding (triggered after 7 days late), tax refund intercepts, license suspension (driver's, professional, recreational), credit bureau reporting, passport denial for arrearages over $2,500, bank levies, and contempt of court. Under 15 V.S.A. § 798, a suspended license can be reinstated within 5 business days of paying the arrearage or agreeing to a repayment plan.
At what age does child support end in Vermont?
Vermont child support ends when the child turns 18 or completes high school, whichever is later, under 15 V.S.A. § 658. A child who turns 18 during senior year continues receiving support until graduation. Vermont courts cannot order support for college expenses without both parents' agreement. Support also ends upon emancipation, marriage, or active military service.
What is imputed income in Vermont child support cases?
When a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, Vermont courts may impute income at the presumed income level of $95,449.50 per year (effective July 1, 2025). Imputed income prevents a parent from reducing their obligation by choosing to earn below their capacity. Courts evaluate education, work history, job availability, and whether the parent has made good-faith efforts to find employment.
How much does it cost to file for child support in Vermont?
Filing for child support as part of a divorce costs $295 for a standard complaint or $90 when both parties file a joint stipulation with the complaint. As of March 2026, verify current fees with your local clerk. Parents of minor children must also complete the 4-hour COPE class ($79, reducible to $30 or $15). Fee waivers are available for parents who demonstrate financial hardship through the Application to Waive Filing Fees.