Oregon Child Support Calculator

Oregon uses the income shares model under ORS § 25.275 and OAR 137-050-0700 through 137-050-0765. Both parents' gross incomes are combined and applied to the state's Obligation Scale, which determines a base support amount. Each parent's share is proportional to their percentage of combined income. The official Oregon Department of Justice calculator at justice.oregon.gov/guidelines provides estimates based on these guidelines.

Oregon bases child support on gross income before taxes and deductions under OAR 137-050-0715. This includes wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, investment income, and employee benefits that reduce living expenses such as a company car or housing. Only the biological or legal parents' incomes count — a new spouse's income is not included in the calculation.

Oregon applies a parenting time credit when a parent has at least 92 overnights per year, which equals roughly 25% of the year. This threshold is lower than most income shares states. When the credit applies, the standard support amount is adjusted downward to reflect the direct expenses the overnight parent incurs. If parents split time exactly equally at 182.5 overnights each, the minimum order presumption does not apply.

Oregon allows child support modification when there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant income change, job loss, or change in parenting time. Either parent can request a review through the Oregon Division of Child Support or file a motion in court. The guideline amount is rebuttable under OAR 137-050-0760 if a court finds it unjust or inappropriate based on the specific family situation.

Oregon child support covers the child's basic needs including housing, food, and clothing through the base obligation. Childcare costs are added separately under OAR 137-050-0735 and split proportionally between parents. Health care coverage costs are included if they do not exceed 4% of combined parental income. Extraordinary expenses such as special education or medical needs may also be factored into the final support amount.

Oregon presumes a minimum child support order of $100 per month under OAR 137-050-0755, unless the parents split overnights exactly equally or the obligor is incarcerated or receiving public benefits. The Obligation Scale caps at $30,000 per month in combined adjusted parental income under OAR 137-050-0725. The self-support reserve of $1,465 per month (updated July 2024) ensures the obligor retains enough income for basic living expenses.

Oregon child support generally ends when the child turns 18, or 19 if the child is still in high school at age 18. Under ORS § 107.108, support can extend to age 21 if the child attends school at least half-time and maintains a C average or better. For orders dated on or after October 4, 1997, a prorated share of support is paid directly to the child attending school.

Oregon enforces unpaid child support through multiple mechanisms including automatic wage withholding, interception of federal and state tax refunds, and property liens. The court can hold a nonpaying parent in contempt, which may result in jail time and a judgment for arrears. Oregon can also suspend state-issued licenses including driver's licenses and professional licenses until a reasonable amount of back support is paid.