Rhode Island Child Support Calculator

Rhode Island uses the income shares model under R.I. General Laws § 15-5-16.2, combining both parents' weekly gross incomes to determine a base support obligation. The court references the Child Support Guideline Schedule — updated July 1, 2023 per Administrative Order 23-02 — to find the recommended amount based on combined income and number of children. Each parent then pays their proportional share based on their percentage of the combined income.

Rhode Island courts consider gross income from all sources before taxes and deductions, including wages, salaries, workers' compensation, temporary disability benefits, and Social Security disability benefits. Family Independence Program benefits and Social Security benefits received by the child are excluded. If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, the court may impute income based on earning capacity, using at least minimum wage as a baseline.

Rhode Island's child support formula directly accounts for shared custody arrangements by reducing the non-custodial parent's obligation proportionally to their parenting time. In sole custody cases, the non-custodial parent pays their full proportional share of the guideline amount. The adjustment ensures that parents who share significant physical custody receive credit for direct expenses incurred during their parenting time.

Rhode Island allows child support modifications when a substantial change in circumstances occurs. Every three years, either parent may file a motion for review and adjustment even without a substantial change or meeting the 10% deviation threshold. The court recalculates support based on current incomes and the guideline schedule in effect at the time of the motion.

Beyond the base guideline amount, Rhode Island child support includes each parent's proportionate share of work-related childcare costs, health insurance premiums, and uninsured medical expenses. The court may also factor in extraordinary expenses. If health coverage exceeds 5% of the obligor's gross monthly income, the court orders a cash medical contribution of 5% instead of requiring the obligor to maintain coverage.

Rhode Island's guideline schedule covers combined monthly incomes from $1,200 to $25,000. Below the minimum threshold, the court applies a self-support reserve based on a percentage of the federal poverty level to ensure the paying parent retains enough for basic needs. For combined incomes exceeding $25,000 per month, the court exercises judicial discretion and may increase support beyond guideline amounts.

Child support in Rhode Island continues until the child turns 18 years old. If the child is still enrolled in high school at age 18, support extends until graduation or the child's 19th birthday, whichever comes first. Support may also terminate if the child becomes emancipated, marries, or enters active military service before reaching the age threshold.

Rhode Island enforces child support through income withholding, tax refund interception, bank account seizure, and suspension of driver's, professional, and recreational licenses. The state reports delinquencies to credit agencies and can garnish up to 50–65% of disposable earnings. Unpaid arrears accrue 12% annual interest under R.I. General Laws § 15-13-3.1(i), and courts may hold non-paying parents in contempt, resulting in fines or jail time.