Most child support projects cost between $5,000 and $30,000 per year, with a typical price near $15,000. Prices vary by state and city, so the range below is a planning guide rather than a quote.
Typical child support cost
$5,000 – $30,000
per year · typical $15,000
A general planning range, not a quotation.
Child support cost breakdown
- Low income (under $30k)$2,000 – $8,000typical $5,000
- Middle income ($30k-$75k)$8,000 – $20,000typical $15,000
- High income (over $75k)$20,000 – $60,000typical $30,000
What Child Support costs
Amounts are determined by state guidelines using parents' incomes and custody split. Support covers basic needs like housing, food, and education. Payments typically continue until the child is 18 or graduates high school.
Costs by state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently asked questions
How is child support calculated?
Each state has guidelines based on parents' gross incomes, number of children, and custody time. Some use income shares model, others percentage of noncustodial parent's income.
What factors affect child support amounts?
Parental incomes, number of children, custody arrangement, healthcare and child care costs, and deviations for extraordinary expenses like private school.
Can I reduce my child support payments?
You can request a modification if your income drops or the child's needs change. You cannot unilaterally stop paying. Document all expenses and consult a family attorney.