Wisconsin calculates child support using a percentage-of-income model that applies fixed percentages to the paying parent's gross income. Under Wis. Stat. § 767.511 and Wisconsin Administrative Code DCF 150, the standard rate is 17% for one child, 25% for two children, 29% for three, 31% for four, and 34% for five or more children. For a parent earning $5,000 per month gross income with one child, the baseline child support amount is $850 per month. These percentages apply to gross income from all sources including wages, self-employment earnings, bonuses, commissions, rental income, and Social Security benefits.
Key Facts: Wisconsin Child Support at a Glance
| Factor | Wisconsin Requirement |
|---|---|
| Calculation Model | Percentage of gross income |
| One Child | 17% of paying parent's gross income |
| Two Children | 25% of paying parent's gross income |
| Three Children | 29% of paying parent's gross income |
| Four Children | 31% of paying parent's gross income |
| Five or More Children | 34% of paying parent's gross income |
| Shared Placement Threshold | 25% of overnights (92 nights/year) |
| High-Income Threshold | $84,000/year ($7,000/month) |
| Low-Income Threshold | $1,485/month or less |
| Duration | Until age 18, or 19 if in high school |
| Interest on Arrears | 0.5% per month (6% annually) |
| Filing Fee for Modification | $30 (if contested) |
How Wisconsin Calculates Child Support Amounts
Wisconsin child support obligations are determined by multiplying the paying parent's gross monthly income by the applicable percentage based on the number of children. A parent earning $6,000 per month with two children would owe $1,500 per month (25% x $6,000), while the same income with three children produces $1,740 monthly (29% x $6,000). This percentage-of-income standard under DCF 150 creates predictable, consistent support amounts across Wisconsin courts.
What Counts as Gross Income in Wisconsin
Wisconsin courts include nearly all income sources when calculating child support. Gross income encompasses wages, salary, tips, bonuses, commissions, overtime pay, self-employment earnings, rental income, investment returns, pension benefits, Social Security payments, workers' compensation, unemployment benefits, and trust distributions. The court may also impute income to a parent who is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, calculating support based on earning capacity rather than actual earnings.
Permitted deductions from gross income include FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare), mandatory retirement contributions required as a condition of employment, union dues, and pre-existing child support orders for children from other relationships. Voluntary contributions to 401(k) plans beyond mandatory requirements typically are not deducted from gross income for child support purposes.
Child Support Amounts by Income Level
The following table shows monthly child support amounts under Wisconsin's standard percentages:
| Monthly Gross Income | 1 Child (17%) | 2 Children (25%) | 3 Children (29%) | 4 Children (31%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,000 | $510 | $750 | $870 | $930 |
| $4,000 | $680 | $1,000 | $1,160 | $1,240 |
| $5,000 | $850 | $1,250 | $1,450 | $1,550 |
| $6,000 | $1,020 | $1,500 | $1,740 | $1,860 |
| $7,000 | $1,190 | $1,750 | $2,030 | $2,170 |
| $8,000 | $1,360 | $2,000 | $2,320 | $2,480 |
| $10,000 | $1,700 | $2,500 | $2,900 | $3,100 |
Shared Placement Child Support in Wisconsin
Wisconsin applies a different calculation method when both parents have physical placement of the child for at least 25% of overnights, which equals 92 or more overnights per year. Under the shared-placement formula in DCF 150.04(2), each parent's support obligation is calculated based on their respective incomes and the proportion of time each parent cares for the child. The parent with the higher obligation after this calculation pays the difference to the other parent.
The shared-placement formula works as follows: each parent's percentage of placement time is multiplied by the other parent's support obligation at the standard percentage rate. The court then offsets these amounts and orders the parent with the larger obligation to pay the difference. For example, if Parent A has the child 60% of the time and earns $5,000 monthly while Parent B has the child 40% of the time and earns $4,000 monthly, the shared-placement calculation would reduce Parent B's support obligation significantly compared to the standard percentage formula.
Variable Expenses in Shared Placement
Wisconsin courts often require parents in shared-placement arrangements to share variable expenses for the child in proportion to their respective incomes or placement time. Variable expenses include costs that fluctuate based on the child's activities and needs: school supplies, extracurricular activities, clothing, entertainment, and uninsured medical expenses. The court may order these expenses to be split 50/50, proportional to income, or proportional to placement time depending on the circumstances of each case.
High-Income and Low-Income Child Support Guidelines
Wisconsin courts may apply modified guidelines when a parent's income falls outside the standard range. These special circumstance provisions under DCF 150.04(4) ensure that child support amounts remain appropriate at income extremes.
High-Income Payer Guidelines
When the paying parent's income exceeds $7,000 per month ($84,000 annually), Wisconsin courts may use the high-income payer formula. Standard percentages apply to the first $7,000 of monthly income. A reduced percentage applies to income between $7,000 and $12,500 per month ($84,000-$150,000 annually). A further reduced percentage applies to income exceeding $12,500 per month ($150,000 annually). The court retains discretion to order higher amounts if the child's needs justify additional support.
Low-Income Payer Guidelines
When the paying parent's income falls below $1,485 per month (between 75% and 150% of the federal poverty level), Wisconsin courts may apply low-income payer guidelines that reduce the standard percentages. These reduced rates ensure that the paying parent retains sufficient income to meet basic living expenses while still contributing to the child's support. Courts also consider whether applying the standard percentages would reduce the paying parent's income below the poverty level.
How Long Does Child Support Last in Wisconsin
Wisconsin child support continues until the child reaches age 18, or age 19 if the child remains enrolled in high school or a GED program. Under Wis. Stat. § 767.511(4), whichever occurs later controls: the child's 18th birthday or high school graduation. A child who turns 18 in February but graduates in June remains covered through graduation day.
The age 19 cutoff is absolute. Even if a child is still pursuing their GED or enrolled in high school at age 19, support terminates on the 19th birthday regardless of graduation status. Parents must provide documentation from the school confirming enrollment and expected graduation date for support to continue past age 18.
Wisconsin child support agencies send notices to both parents 90 days before the youngest child's 18th birthday. Current support ends automatically unless a parent proves the child remains in school. However, past-due support (arrears) remains enforceable for up to 20 years after the youngest child turns 18.
How to Modify Wisconsin Child Support Orders
Wisconsin courts may modify child support when a substantial change in circumstances occurs. Under Wis. Stat. § 767.59(1f), qualifying changes include significant income increases or decreases, changes in the child's living arrangements, medical hardship, or any other factor the court deems relevant. The party seeking modification must demonstrate that the change would result in at least a 15% difference in the support amount and a minimum $50 monthly change.
The 33-Month Presumption
Wisconsin law presumes that a substantial change in circumstances has occurred once 33 months pass since the original order or last modification. After 33 months, either parent may request a review without proving specific changed circumstances. The child support agency will recalculate support based on current income and apply the updated amount if it differs by more than 15% and $50 from the existing order.
Filing for Modification
Parents can pursue modification through several avenues. If both parents agree to new terms, they may file a Stipulation and Order to Amend Judgment with the County Clerk of Court at no cost. Contested modifications require filing a motion with a $30 filing fee. Parents may also request a free administrative review through their local child support agency, which can lead to a court hearing if the parents disagree on the new amount.
2026 Financial Disclosure Requirements
Under a law effective January 1, 2026, parents must share financial information that could affect existing child support orders. If either parent experiences a change in employment or significant income change, they must notify the other parent within 10 days. This requirement ensures support orders accurately reflect current financial circumstances and facilitates timely modifications when warranted.
Wisconsin Child Support Enforcement Methods
Wisconsin employs comprehensive enforcement mechanisms to collect unpaid child support. The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) and local child support agencies have broad authority to take action against delinquent parents. Approximately 98% of Wisconsin child support payments are collected through income withholding, where employers deduct support directly from wages and send payments to the Wisconsin Support Collections Trust Fund (WISCTF).
Wage Garnishment Limits
Federal and Wisconsin law limit wage garnishment for child support. Up to 50% of disposable earnings may be garnished if the paying parent currently supports another spouse or child not covered by the order. Up to 60% may be garnished if the paying parent is not supporting another spouse or child. An additional 5% may be taken if the parent is more than 12 weeks behind on payments, bringing potential garnishment to 55% or 65% of disposable earnings.
Additional Enforcement Tools
Wisconsin child support agencies may pursue these enforcement actions against parents who fall behind on support:
Automatic liens attach when past-due support reaches $500 or more. These liens affect real property, vehicles, and financial accounts.
License suspension applies when arrears equal or exceed three months of support. Affected licenses include driver's licenses, professional licenses, occupational licenses, and recreational licenses for hunting and fishing.
Bank account seizure becomes available when arrears reach $1,000 or three months of support, whichever is greater. This applies to checking accounts, savings accounts, IRAs, and mutual funds.
Tax refund intercept captures federal and state tax refunds to apply toward past-due support.
Interest and Criminal Penalties
Wisconsin charges interest on child support arrears at 0.5% per month (6% annually). Interest begins accruing when past-due support equals or exceeds one month's payment amount. A parent with a $500 monthly order would begin accruing interest when arrears reach $500.
Criminal penalties apply for willful non-payment. Failure to pay for 120 or more consecutive days constitutes a misdemeanor punishable by up to 9 months in jail and a $10,000 fine. When arrears exceed $10,000 or remain unpaid for more than six months, the charge may be elevated to a felony carrying up to 5 years in prison.
How to Pay Child Support in Wisconsin
All Wisconsin child support payments must flow through the Wisconsin Support Collections Trust Fund (WISCTF), the state's centralized payment processing center in Milwaukee. Direct payments between parents do not count toward the support obligation unless specifically authorized by court order. The WISCTF processes over 1.5 million transactions annually and must disburse funds within 2 business days of receipt.
Payment methods include income withholding (automatic paycheck deduction), online payments through the Wisconsin Child Support website, phone payments, mail, or in-person payments at authorized locations. The online payment system accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic bank transfers. Parents should retain payment receipts and confirmation numbers for their records.
Wisconsin Divorce Filing Fees and Related Costs
While this guide focuses on how much child support costs in Wisconsin, understanding overall divorce costs provides helpful context. The base filing fee for divorce in Wisconsin circuit courts is $184.50 as of March 2026. An additional $10 surcharge applies when the petition includes requests for child support or spousal maintenance, bringing the total to $194.50. E-filing adds a $20 convenience fee.
As of May 2026, verify current fees with your local clerk of court as amounts may change.
Service of process costs $50-$100 when using the county sheriff or private process server. Low-income filers earning at or below 125% of federal poverty guidelines ($19,506 for individuals in 2026) may qualify for fee waivers using Form CV-410A.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wisconsin Child Support
How much is child support for one child in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin child support for one child is 17% of the paying parent's gross income under Wis. Stat. § 767.511. A parent earning $5,000 monthly gross income would pay $850 per month for one child. This percentage applies after permitted deductions for FICA, mandatory retirement contributions, and pre-existing support orders.
What is the average child support payment in Wisconsin?
The average child support payment in Wisconsin depends entirely on the paying parent's income and number of children. Wisconsin uses fixed percentages rather than a statewide average: 17% for one child, 25% for two, 29% for three, 31% for four, and 34% for five or more. A parent earning $60,000 annually ($5,000/month) with two children would pay $1,250 monthly ($15,000/year).
Can Wisconsin child support be reduced for shared custody?
Yes, Wisconsin reduces child support obligations when both parents have placement for at least 25% of overnights (92 nights per year). The shared-placement formula under DCF 150.04(2) calculates each parent's obligation based on their income and placement time, then offsets the amounts so only the difference is paid.
How do I calculate child support in Wisconsin?
To calculate Wisconsin child support, multiply the paying parent's gross monthly income by the applicable percentage: 17% for one child, 25% for two, 29% for three, 31% for four, or 34% for five or more children. Deduct FICA taxes, mandatory retirement contributions, and pre-existing support orders before applying the percentage.
Does Wisconsin have a maximum child support amount?
Wisconsin has no statutory cap on child support, but high-income guidelines under DCF 150.04(4) reduce percentages for income above $7,000/month ($84,000/year). Standard percentages apply to the first $7,000 monthly, with reduced rates for income between $7,000-$12,500 and further reductions above $12,500.
How long does child support last in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin child support continues until the child turns 18, or age 19 if the child remains enrolled in high school or a GED program under Wis. Stat. § 767.511(4). A child who turns 18 in February but graduates in June remains covered through graduation. Support terminates automatically at age 19 regardless of school status.
Can I modify child support if I lose my job in Wisconsin?
Yes, job loss constitutes a substantial change in circumstances that may justify modification under Wis. Stat. § 767.59. You must file a motion with the court or request a review from your local child support agency. The modification must result in at least a 15% change and $50 difference to be approved. Do not stop paying support without a court order.
What happens if I don't pay child support in Wisconsin?
Failure to pay Wisconsin child support triggers enforcement actions including wage garnishment (up to 65% of income), license suspension, bank account seizure, tax refund intercept, and property liens. Willful non-payment for 120+ days is a misdemeanor with up to 9 months jail and $10,000 fine. Arrears over $10,000 or 6+ months unpaid may result in felony charges with up to 5 years imprisonment.
Does Wisconsin child support include health insurance?
Wisconsin child support orders typically require one or both parents to provide health insurance for the child if available at reasonable cost through employment. Uninsured medical expenses are usually divided between parents, either 50/50 or in proportion to their incomes. The cost of health insurance premiums may be added to or deducted from the basic child support amount.
How is child support collected in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin collects child support primarily through income withholding, where employers deduct support directly from the paying parent's wages. All payments flow through the Wisconsin Support Collections Trust Fund (WISCTF) in Milwaukee, which processes over 1.5 million transactions annually. The WISCTF must disburse payments within 2 business days of receipt.
This guide was authored by Antonio G. Jimenez, Esq. (Florida Bar No. 21022), covering Wisconsin divorce law for Divorce.law.
Sources: Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, Wisconsin Legislature Wis. Stat. § 767.511, Wisconsin Administrative Code DCF 150, Wisconsin Courts Filing Fees