Wisconsin Child Support Calculator

Wisconsin uses the Percentage of Income Standard under Administrative Code DCF 150, applying fixed percentages to the paying parent's gross income. The standard rates are 17% for one child, 25% for two children, 29% for three, 31% for four, and 34% for five or more. Unlike the income shares model used by most states, Wisconsin bases the calculation primarily on the non-custodial parent's income.

Wisconsin child support is based on the paying parent's gross income, which includes wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, overtime, severance pay, pensions, interest, dividends, trust income, and net self-employment income as defined in DCF 150.02(13). The court may also impute income if a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed. Social Security disability benefits received on behalf of a child may offset the support obligation.

Wisconsin uses a shared-placement formula when each parent has the child at least 92 overnights per year under DCF 150.04(2). This formula calculates each parent's support obligation based on their income percentage, then offsets the amounts. If one parent has fewer than 92 overnights, the standard Percentage of Income rates apply to the non-custodial parent's gross income without a shared-placement adjustment.

Wisconsin allows child support modification when there is a substantial change in circumstances under Wisconsin Statutes § 767.59. A change of 15% or more from the current order creates a rebuttable presumption that modification is warranted. Effective January 1, 2026, parents must notify each other within 10 days of any employment change or significant income change that could affect existing support orders.

Wisconsin's standard child support percentage covers basic necessities including food, clothing, shelter, and ordinary transportation costs. Variable costs such as health insurance premiums, extraordinary medical expenses, childcare necessary for employment or education, and educational expenses may be added separately under DCF 150.04. The court can order either parent to maintain health insurance for the child and allocate uninsured medical costs.

Wisconsin has no absolute dollar cap on child support, but uses reduced percentages for higher earners under DCF 150.04(5). Income above $7,000 per month ($84,000 annually) drops to roughly 80% of standard rates—14% for one child. Income above $12,500 per month ($150,000 annually) drops to approximately 60%—10% for one child. Low-income payers between 75% and 150% of the federal poverty guidelines use reduced rates starting at 11% under Appendix C.

Child support in Wisconsin generally continues until the child turns 18 under Wisconsin Statutes § 767.511(4). If the child is still enrolled in high school or pursuing a GED at age 18, support extends until age 19 or graduation, whichever comes first. Support may terminate earlier if the child marries, is emancipated, enters active military service, or dies. The court cannot order support for college expenses.

Wisconsin enforces child support through the Department of Children and Families, which can intercept tax refunds, suspend driver's licenses and professional licenses, place liens on property, and report delinquent parents to credit bureaus. Income withholding is automatic for most orders, capped at 50%–65% of disposable income depending on arrears and family status under federal limits. Contempt of court for nonpayment can result in fines or incarceration of up to six months.