Indiana Child Support Calculator

Estimate Indiana child support using the Income Shares Model. Enter both parents' incomes, number of children, parenting time, and additional expenses to calculate the estimated monthly child support obligation based on Indiana state guidelines.

$
$

Additional Monthly Expenses (Optional)

$
$
$
$
Enter at least one parent's income to see the estimated child support obligation.

How Indiana Child Support Is Calculated

Indiana child support follows the Income Shares Model, which estimates the amount both parents would spend on their children if they lived together. The Indiana Child Support Guidelines, established by the Indiana Supreme Court, provide a standardized schedule and worksheets for calculating support obligations. The key calculation is based on combined weekly income and the number of children.

Key Factors in Indiana Child Support Calculations

Both Parents' Weekly Incomes

Indiana calculates support based on each parent's weekly income from all sources, including wages, self-employment income, commissions, bonuses, investment income, and most other income sources. The court considers the gross incomes of both parents. The standard calculation uses the Child Support Obligation Worksheet (CSOW), which accounts for weekly gross incomes, adjustments, and credits.

Number of Children

Like most states, Indiana's basic obligation increases with each additional child. The Indiana Child Support Guidelines Schedule provides specific dollar amounts at various combined weekly income levels for families of different sizes. The support for three children is not a simple multiplier of the amount for one child.

The Parenting Time Credit

One of Indiana's distinctive features is its formal Parenting Time Credit. When the non-custodial parent exercises parenting time, they incur direct expenses for the child. Indiana guidelines provide a credit that reduces the basic obligation based on the number of overnights. The credit is calculated using a specific formula that considers the percentage of time with each parent.

Additional Expenses (Add-Ons)

Expense TypeHow It's Handled
Health InsuranceMedical support is mandatory. Cost of child's coverage is added to basic obligation
Uninsured Medical/DentalShared proportionally. First $250 per child per year typically paid by custodial parent
ChildcareWork-related childcare costs shared proportionally based on income shares
Educational/TuitionCourt may order proportional sharing of private school or college expenses

Indiana Support Worksheets

Indiana uses three worksheets depending on the parenting arrangement:

  • Worksheet A: For sole physical custody (one parent has primary physical custody)
  • Worksheet B: For joint physical custody (each parent has at least 182 overnights or significant parenting time)
  • Worksheet C: For split custody (different children primarily reside with different parents)

This calculator uses principles similar to Worksheet A (sole custody), with parenting time credits applied to the non-custodial parent's obligation.

Income Cap and Deviations

Indiana's Child Support Guidelines apply to combined weekly income up to approximately $4,000 per week ($208,000 annually). For income above this level, the court uses its discretion to determine appropriate support based on the child's needs and the parents' standard of living. Courts may deviate from guidelines for reasons including: special needs of the child, educational expenses, extraordinary medical costs, and agreements between the parties.

Duration and Modification

  • Age of emancipation: Support continues until age 19 (or 21 if still in secondary school)
  • Modification standard: Substantial and continuing change in circumstances (15-20% change in support is a general threshold)
  • College support: Indiana courts may order post-secondary educational support in some circumstances
  • Termination: Support ends upon the child's emancipation, death, marriage, or military service

Important Disclaimer

This calculator provides an educational estimate based on Indiana Child Support Guidelines. Actual support amounts may vary based on specific court findings, deviations, and judicial discretion. This tool is not a substitute for legal advice. Consult a licensed Indiana family law attorney for your specific situation.

Sources and References

  • Indiana Supreme Court — Child Support Guidelines
  • Indiana Child Support Rules and Guidelines (most recent version)
  • Indiana Department of Child Services — Child Support Bureau
  • Indiana Code Title 31 — Family Law and Juvenile Law

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Indiana calculate child support?
Indiana uses the Income Shares Model, which calculates support based on both parents' incomes. The Indiana Child Support Guidelines provide a schedule of basic child support obligations based on the combined weekly income of both parents and the number of children. Each parent's share is proportional to their income contribution. Indiana also provides a parenting time credit for non-custodial parents who exercise parenting time.
How does the Indiana Parenting Time Credit work?
Indiana provides a parenting time credit when the non-custodial parent exercises parenting time. The credit is calculated based on the number of overnights per year. For 146+ overnights (40%), the credit is up to 40% reduction. The credit is applied to the basic obligation before calculating the final support amount. Indiana has specific worksheet calculations for this adjustment.
What is the difference between Indiana and Illinois child support?
Both states use the Income Shares Model, but there are key differences: Indiana uses weekly income while Illinois uses monthly income. Indiana has specific parenting time credit formulas built into its guidelines. Indiana caps income at a different level. Indiana also has its own unique worksheet (Worksheet A, B, or C) depending on custody arrangements.
What counts as income for Indiana child support?
Indiana defines income broadly, including wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, rental income, dividends, interest, trust income, unemployment compensation, workers' compensation, disability benefits, Social Security benefits, and most other sources. Imputed income may be applied if a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.
How can Indiana child support be modified?
Indiana allows modification when there is a substantial and continuing change in circumstances. A 20% change in the current support amount is generally considered substantial. Either parent can request a review, and the court may order modification. Support typically continues until the child turns 19 (or 21 if still in secondary school).
Are there special rules for shared custody in Indiana?
Yes. Indiana has specific guidelines for shared custody (where each parent has at least 182 overnights per year or 40% of the time). In shared custody arrangements, the court may deviate from the standard formula based on the actual time spent with each parent and the expenses each parent bears directly.

Related Tools