District of Columbia Child Support Calculator

District of Columbia uses a hybrid income shares model under D.C. Code § 16-916.01 that combines both parents' adjusted gross incomes. The combined total is matched against the D.C. Schedule of Basic Child Support Obligation based on the number of children. Each parent's share is proportional to their percentage of the combined income. The guideline applies presumptively to combined adjusted gross incomes up to $240,000 per year.

D.C. Code § 16-916.01(d) defines adjusted gross income broadly, including wages, salaries, commissions, self-employment income, bonuses, capital gains representing regular income, and military allowances for housing and food. Courts may impute income to parents who are voluntarily unemployed or underemployed to avoid their support obligation. Parents receiving means-tested public assistance or who are physically unable to work are exempt from income imputation.

When the non-custodial parent has at least 128 overnights per year (approximately 35% of the time), D.C. applies a shared physical custody formula. The basic child support obligation is multiplied by 1.5 to account for duplicated household expenses in both homes. Each parent's adjusted obligation is then calculated and offset, with the higher-earning parent typically paying the difference. This threshold is specifically defined in D.C. Code § 16-916.01.

Either parent can petition the D.C. Superior Court to modify a child support order when there has been a substantial and material change in circumstances. Common grounds include significant income changes, job loss, changes in custody arrangements, or a child's increased needs such as medical expenses. The court applies the same guideline calculation under D.C. Code § 16-916.01 to determine the new amount. The D.C. Office of the Attorney General's Child Support Services Division can also assist with modification requests.

The basic child support obligation covers food, housing, clothing, and ordinary daily expenses. Health insurance premiums for the child are divided proportionally between parents based on their respective adjusted gross incomes. Extraordinary medical expenses exceeding $250 per child per year — including co-payments, orthodontia, dental treatment, and vision care — are also split proportionally under D.C. Code § 16-916.01. Childcare costs necessary for employment or education may be added to the basic obligation.

The presumptive minimum child support order in D.C. is $75 per month for parents with limited income, though this amount can be adjusted if either parent presents compelling evidence. A self-support reserve set at 133% of the federal poverty guideline ensures the paying parent can meet basic needs. For high earners, the guideline applies presumptively up to $240,000 in combined adjusted gross income. Above that threshold, courts have discretion to order additional support based on the child's actual needs.

Child support in the District of Columbia continues until the child reaches age 21, which is notably longer than most U.S. states where support typically ends at 18 or upon high school graduation. Support may end earlier if the child becomes legally emancipated through marriage, military service, or becoming self-supporting. There is no automatic extension beyond age 21 for college attendance. Each child covered by the support order is calculated independently.

The D.C. Office of the Attorney General's Child Support Services Division enforces orders through multiple mechanisms under D.C. Code Title 46, Chapter 2. Wage withholding is automatic in most cases, and arrears allow an additional 25% garnishment. Non-paying parents face suspension of driver's licenses, professional licenses, and recreational licenses when arrears equal at least 60 days of payments. Additional enforcement includes property liens, credit bureau reporting, passport denial, and criminal contempt proceedings as a last resort.