Oregon calculates child support using the Income Shares Model under ORS 25.275, combining both parents' gross incomes to determine a total obligation from a standardized schedule. The minimum child support amount in Oregon is $100 per month per child, while the guidelines cap combined parental income at $30,000 per month. For a parent earning $5,000 monthly with one child and standard parenting time, expect payments between $600-$900 per month depending on the other parent's income. Oregon courts apply parenting time credits when the non-custodial parent exercises more than 88 overnights per year (24% threshold), which can reduce the support obligation by 10-30%.
Key Facts: Oregon Child Support 2026
| Factor | Oregon Requirement |
|---|---|
| Calculation Model | Income Shares Model (ORS 25.275) |
| Minimum Support | $100 per month per child |
| Income Cap | $30,000 combined monthly income |
| Self-Support Reserve | $1,522 per month (2026) |
| Parenting Time Credit | 88+ overnights (24%) triggers reduction |
| Filing Fee | $301 domestic relations filing fee |
| Support Duration | Until age 18 (or 21 if in school) |
| Official Calculator | justice.oregon.gov/guidelines |
How Oregon Calculates Child Support Under the Income Shares Model
Oregon determines child support by combining both parents' adjusted gross incomes, looking up the total obligation on a standardized schedule based on the number of children, and then splitting that obligation proportionally between the parents based on each parent's percentage of combined income. Under ORS 25.275, if one parent earns 60% of the combined income and the other earns 40%, the higher-earning parent pays 60% of the basic support obligation. The Oregon Department of Justice maintains the official guidelines calculator at justice.oregon.gov/guidelines, which produces court-ready worksheets that judges accept in approximately 90% of cases.
The Income Shares Model reflects the economic principle that children should receive the same proportion of parental income they would have received if the family remained together. Oregon's guidelines consider all earnings, income, and resources of each parent, including wages, self-employment income, bonuses, commissions, investment returns, rental income, and even imputed income if a parent is voluntarily underemployed. Administrative rules OAR 137-050-0700 through OAR 137-050-0765 govern the detailed calculations, with updates effective January 1, 2026 reflecting the latest guideline revisions.
What Income Counts Toward Child Support in Oregon
Oregon counts nearly all sources of income when calculating child support obligations, including wages, salaries, tips, bonuses, commissions, self-employment profits, rental income, investment dividends, retirement benefits, unemployment compensation, workers' compensation, Social Security benefits, and spousal support received. Under ORS 25.275, courts also consider imputed income when a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, meaning the court assigns an earning capacity based on education, work history, and local job market conditions.
Gross income is reduced by specific deductions before calculating the support obligation. Parents may deduct union dues, mandatory retirement contributions, health insurance premiums for the parent only (not children), and support paid for children from other relationships under existing court orders. Oregon does not allow deductions for voluntary 401(k) contributions, credit card payments, car payments, or other discretionary expenses. The guidelines also account for the tax implications of filing status, providing a more accurate picture of each parent's actual available income.
Oregon Child Support Amounts by Income Level
Oregon's standardized obligation scale determines the basic support amount based on combined parental income and number of children. For combined monthly income of $6,000 with one child, the basic obligation is approximately $920 per month. For two children at the same income level, the obligation increases to roughly $1,350 per month. At $10,000 combined monthly income, one child triggers approximately $1,250 in basic support, while two children result in about $1,830 per month.
| Combined Monthly Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| $3,000 | ~$520 | ~$760 | ~$920 |
| $6,000 | ~$920 | ~$1,350 | ~$1,640 |
| $10,000 | ~$1,250 | ~$1,830 | ~$2,230 |
| $15,000 | ~$1,620 | ~$2,380 | ~$2,900 |
| $20,000 | ~$1,950 | ~$2,860 | ~$3,490 |
| $30,000 (cap) | ~$2,550 | ~$3,740 | ~$4,560 |
These figures represent basic support obligations before adjustments for parenting time, childcare costs, and health insurance. The actual amount one parent pays depends on their proportional share of combined income. A parent earning $4,000 of a $6,000 combined income (67%) would pay 67% of the $920 obligation, or approximately $616 per month for one child.
Parenting Time Credits and How They Reduce Support
Oregon applies a parenting time credit under OAR 137-050-0730 when the non-custodial parent exercises more than 88 overnights per year, which represents 24% of annual parenting time. This credit recognizes that parents with substantial parenting time incur direct costs for housing, food, transportation, and activities during their parenting time. The credit can reduce the non-custodial parent's support obligation by 10-30% depending on the actual number of overnights exercised.
For example, if a non-custodial parent's calculated support obligation is $800 per month but they exercise 120 overnights per year (33% of the time), the parenting time credit formula reduces their obligation proportionally. The credit calculation accounts for both the percentage of time and the assumption that the custodial parent's fixed costs remain relatively constant regardless of where the child sleeps. Parents must document their actual parenting time schedule, not just the schedule ordered by the court, when calculating this credit.
Additional Costs Beyond Basic Child Support
Oregon child support orders typically include provisions for childcare costs, health insurance premiums, and uninsured medical expenses in addition to the basic support obligation. Under OAR 137-050-0735, work-related childcare costs are added to the basic obligation and divided proportionally between parents. Health insurance coverage is considered reasonable if it costs no more than 4% of the parents' combined incomes, and the cost is typically allocated between parents based on their income shares.
Uninsured medical expenses, including copays, deductibles, orthodontia, counseling, and prescription costs, are generally divided between parents in proportion to their incomes. Oregon courts may also address extracurricular activities, tutoring, and other extraordinary expenses, though these are subject to deviation analysis under ORS 25.280. The court retains discretion to allocate these costs differently based on the specific circumstances of each case.
Self-Support Reserve Protection for Paying Parents
Oregon protects paying parents from falling below a basic standard of living by enforcing a self-support reserve of $1,522 per month as of 2026. If the calculated child support obligation would leave the obligor with less than this amount after taxes and mandatory deductions, Oregon applies a reduction formula to ensure the parent can meet their own basic needs. This reserve amount is updated periodically to reflect changes in the cost of living and federal poverty guidelines.
The self-support reserve calculation prevents the child support system from pushing paying parents into poverty, which would ultimately harm children by reducing the parent's ability to maintain employment, housing, and transportation. Courts balance the child's right to support with the parent's need to survive financially. In cases where both parents have extremely low incomes, the minimum support obligation of $100 per month per child may apply regardless of other calculations.
How to Use the Oregon Child Support Calculator
The Oregon Department of Justice provides a free, official child support calculator at justice.oregon.gov/guidelines that any parent can use to estimate their support obligation. The calculator requires both parents' gross monthly incomes, the number of children, the parenting time schedule (number of overnights per year), monthly childcare costs, and monthly health insurance costs for the children. The output includes a court-ready worksheet that judges accept as the standard calculation document.
To use the calculator effectively, gather recent pay stubs, tax returns, and documentation of other income sources for both parents. Enter gross income before any deductions except those specifically allowed under Oregon guidelines. Accurately count the number of overnights each parent exercises, as this directly affects the parenting time credit. Include only work-related childcare costs and the portion of health insurance premiums attributable to the children, not the parent's own coverage.
Modifying Child Support Orders in Oregon
Oregon allows child support modifications when there has been a substantial change of circumstances since the original order or after 35 months have elapsed. Under ORS 25.287, the Oregon Child Support Program can review and modify orders if they are at least 35 months old or if a party demonstrates proof of a substantial change. Qualifying changes include significant income changes (increase or decrease of 15% or more), changes in parenting time arrangements, changes in the number of children in either household, or medical emergencies.
To request a modification, parents can submit forms through the Oregon Child Support Program online account at OregonChildSupport.gov or contact their case manager directly at 800-850-0228. The modification process examines current incomes, expenses, and circumstances rather than those at the time of the original order. Support amounts can increase or decrease based on the new calculation. The Child Support Program cannot modify custody or parenting time, only the financial support obligation.
Child Support Duration and Extension to Age 21
Oregon child support generally terminates when the child turns 18, or when the child turns 19 if still enrolled in high school at age 18 and making satisfactory progress toward graduation. However, under ORS 107.108, support can extend until age 21 if the child attends school at least half-time at a community college, college, university, or accredited vocational program and maintains satisfactory academic progress (typically a C average or better).
For orders established on or after October 4, 1997, extended support for adult children attending school is paid as a prorated share directly to the child rather than to the custodial parent. The child must apply for extended support and provide proof of enrollment and academic standing. The support amount is calculated based on the original support obligation, prorated for the time the child spends in school. Support terminates immediately upon marriage of the child, entry into military service, or failure to maintain academic eligibility.
Enforcement of Child Support Orders in Oregon
Oregon enforces child support orders through multiple mechanisms when parents fail to pay voluntarily. The Oregon Child Support Program can implement income withholding, requiring employers to deduct support directly from wages and send payments to the state disbursement unit. Under OAR 137-055-4420, Oregon can suspend driver's licenses, professional licenses, and recreational licenses (hunting, fishing) for non-payment of child support.
Additional enforcement tools include intercepting federal and state tax refunds to pay arrears, placing liens on real property preventing sale until support is paid, garnishing bank accounts and other financial assets, and reporting delinquent parents to credit bureaus. Under ORS 33.015, courts can hold willfully non-compliant parents in contempt of court, which may result in fines, jail time, or both. The goal of enforcement is to ensure children receive the financial support they are legally entitled to receive.
Filing Fees and Court Costs for Child Support Cases
Oregon circuit courts charge a filing fee of $301 to commence a domestic relations proceeding, including cases establishing child support orders. As of January 2026, parties filing motions to modify existing orders pay an additional $111 fee. Actions seeking contempt remedies for failure to pay child support require a $56 filing fee under ORS 21.155. The Oregon Child Support Program and district attorneys are exempt from these filing fees when providing child support enforcement services.
Parents who cannot afford filing fees may apply for a fee deferral or waiver through the court. Deferral allows the fee to be paid later or in installments, while waiver eliminates the fee entirely based on financial hardship. Forms for fee deferral and waiver are available through the Oregon Judicial Department's Forms Center. An uncontested child support matter handled without an attorney typically costs $350-$500 total including filing fees, service costs, and certified copies.
When Courts Deviate from Child Support Guidelines
Oregon courts may deviate from the standard child support calculation under ORS 25.280 when strict application of the guidelines would be unjust or inappropriate. Common grounds for deviation include extraordinary medical or educational needs of the child, assets available to either parent beyond regular income, seasonal or fluctuating income that makes the standard calculation misleading, tax consequences significantly different from the norm, and shared physical custody arrangements that substantially differ from the standard parenting time assumptions.
To request a deviation, the requesting party must demonstrate specific facts justifying departure from the guidelines and explain why the standard calculation fails to serve the child's best interests. Courts document their reasoning for any deviation in the support order. Deviations are not automatic and require clear evidence that the standard calculation produces an inequitable result. The burden of proof falls on the party requesting the deviation.
Residency Requirements for Filing in Oregon
Oregon's residency requirements for establishing child support depend on the circumstances of the case. Under ORS 107.075, if the parents were married in Oregon, either parent simply needs to be a resident at the time of filing, with no minimum duration required. If the marriage was performed outside Oregon, at least one parent must have been a resident continuously for at least six months before filing. For unmarried parents, the child must have resided in Oregon for at least six months for the court to have jurisdiction over custody and support matters.
Child custody jurisdiction follows the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA), which generally requires the child to have lived in Oregon for six consecutive months immediately before filing. This requirement ensures Oregon courts have proper jurisdiction and can enforce their orders effectively. Parents who do not meet residency requirements may need to file in another state where jurisdiction exists or wait until residency is established.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oregon Child Support
How much is child support in Oregon for one child?
Oregon child support for one child typically ranges from $100 per month (minimum) to over $2,500 per month depending on combined parental income. For parents with combined monthly income of $6,000, the basic obligation is approximately $920 per month, divided proportionally based on each parent's income share. The exact amount depends on parenting time, childcare costs, and health insurance expenses.
Does parenting time affect child support amounts in Oregon?
Yes, Oregon provides a parenting time credit under OAR 137-050-0730 when the non-custodial parent exercises more than 88 overnights per year (24% of the time). This credit can reduce the support obligation by 10-30% depending on the actual number of overnights exercised. Parents must document their actual parenting schedule to receive this credit.
How long does child support last in Oregon?
Oregon child support continues until the child turns 18, or 19 if still in high school. Under ORS 107.108, support can extend to age 21 if the child attends school at least half-time and maintains satisfactory academic progress (C average or better). Extended support is paid directly to the adult child, not the custodial parent.
Can Oregon child support orders be modified?
Yes, Oregon allows modifications after 35 months or upon showing a substantial change of circumstances under ORS 25.287. Qualifying changes include income changes of 15% or more, changes in parenting time, or changes in the number of children. Contact the Oregon Child Support Program at 800-850-0228 or through OregonChildSupport.gov to request a review.
What happens if a parent doesn't pay child support in Oregon?
Oregon enforces unpaid child support through wage garnishment, tax refund interception, property liens, bank account garnishment, license suspension (driver's, professional, and recreational), credit reporting, and contempt of court proceedings. Under ORS 33.015, willful non-payment can result in fines or jail time.
Does Oregon count overtime income for child support?
Yes, Oregon includes overtime, bonuses, commissions, and other irregular income in the child support calculation under ORS 25.275. Courts typically average irregular income over 12-24 months to determine a representative monthly amount. Voluntary overtime may be excluded if it represents a temporary situation not expected to continue.
What is the minimum child support payment in Oregon?
Oregon sets a minimum child support obligation of $100 per month per child regardless of the parent's income level. This minimum applies even when the calculated amount would be lower due to low income or the self-support reserve reduction formula. The minimum ensures children receive some financial support from both parents.
How does Oregon handle childcare costs in child support calculations?
Oregon adds work-related childcare costs to the basic support obligation under OAR 137-050-0735 and divides them proportionally between parents based on their income shares. Only employment-related childcare qualifies; costs for entertainment or non-work activities are not included. Parents must provide documentation of actual childcare expenses.
Can parents agree to a different child support amount than the guidelines?
Yes, Oregon permits parents to agree to support amounts that deviate from the guidelines, but the court must approve the agreement. Under ORS 25.280, courts will approve deviations only if the agreed amount serves the child's best interests and the parties demonstrate why the standard calculation is inappropriate. Agreements cannot waive child support entirely.
Where can I find Oregon's official child support calculator?
The Oregon Department of Justice provides the official child support calculator at justice.oregon.gov/guidelines. This free tool produces court-ready worksheets accepted by Oregon judges. For questions about the calculator, email ChildSupportCalculatorQuestions@doj.oregon.gov or contact your local child support office at 800-850-0228.