Indiana Child Support Calculator

Indiana uses the Income Shares Model, which combines both parents' weekly adjusted gross incomes and references the Guideline Schedules for Weekly Support Payments to determine the basic child support obligation. Each parent's share is proportional to their percentage of combined income. Work-related childcare and health insurance premiums are added to the base amount, and the total obligation is capped at 50% of combined weekly adjusted income.

Indiana defines weekly gross income as actual earnings if employed to full capacity, or potential income if unemployed or underemployed. Income includes wages, overtime, bonuses, commissions, rental income, pensions, and Social Security benefits. Means-tested benefits like TANF, Supplemental Security Income, and food stamps are excluded. The guidelines apply a 21.88% average tax factor to adjust the support calculation.

Indiana applies a parenting time credit that adjusts the child support obligation based on the number of overnights each parent has with the child. Greater parenting time for the non-custodial parent reduces the support obligation. Under the 2024 guideline updates, courts also consider variable overnight arrangements and shared controlled expenses like clothing and educational costs as potential grounds for deviation from the standard calculation.

Indiana courts may modify child support when the recalculated guideline amount differs from the current order by at least 20% and the order is at least 12 months old, under Guideline 4. Modification also requires a substantial and continuing change in circumstances, such as a change in income, incarceration, or a change in the parenting plan. Either parent can file a petition requesting modification once these thresholds are met.

Indiana child support includes the basic support obligation from the guideline schedules plus work-related childcare costs and the child's health insurance premiums. Since the 2024 guideline update eliminated the 6% Rule, both parents now share all uninsured medical expenses proportionally based on income. Controlled expenses such as clothing, educational costs, and personal care are typically covered by the custodial parent but may justify deviation from the guidelines.

Indiana does not establish a minimum child support obligation for families with combined weekly adjusted income below $100 — courts examine each case individually to ensure the obligor retains subsistence-level income. The maximum is capped at 50% of combined weekly adjusted income. For high-income families exceeding $9,200 per week in combined income, fixed percentages apply instead of the guideline schedule — for example, 11.4% for two children.

Indiana child support continues until the child reaches age 19 under the emancipation law effective July 1, 2012. Early emancipation may occur if the child marries, joins the military, or is at least 18, out of school for four months, and capable of self-support. Parents must file a Petition to Emancipate to officially end the obligation — support does not terminate automatically, and back support remains enforceable even after emancipation.

Indiana enforces child support through income withholding orders, contempt of court proceedings, and license suspensions under IC 31-16-12. A parent six or more weeks behind may face a contempt petition, with penalties including up to 180 days of incarceration, wage garnishment of up to 55–65% of earnings, tax refund interception, property liens, and credit bureau reporting. Courts may also impose interest of up to 1.5% per month on delinquent payments.