How Are Child Support Payments Calculated in Wisconsin?

 Posted on October 12, 2025 in Alimony

Wisconsin’s child support system is designed to be fair and consistent. It ensures that children are cared for no matter which parent they live with most of the time. Calculating child support payments involves looking at each parent’s finances and determining a fair amount to support the child’s needs. Whether you are paying or receiving support, our experienced Pewaukee, WI child support lawyers can help. We will ensure you have all the documentation necessary to create a fair and accurate support order.

How Does Child Support Work in Wisconsin?

Under Wisconsin Statute § 767.511, courts have the power to order one or both parents to provide financial support for their children. They also have guidelines for calculating child support in a consistent way across the state. Wisconsin uses something called the percentage-of-income standard. This means the amount of child support is based on the paying parent’s income and the number of children being supported. The court may also adjust the amount if parents share physical placement, have large differences in income, or if one parent pays for certain expenses like health insurance or child care.

The main goal of child support is to ensure that both parents share the cost of raising their children. Payments are usually taken directly from the paying parent’s paycheck and handled by the Wisconsin Support Collections Trust Fund to make sure they are processed correctly and on time.

What Affects the Amount of Child Support You Pay or Receive?

Several factors affect the amount of child support in any case:

• Each parent’s income, based on gross monthly earnings from all sources, not just regular wages

• The number of children, since supporting more children increases the percentage of income used to calculate payments

• Parenting time or placement schedules, because shared time between parents can change how the formula is applied

• Other financial responsibilities, such as support for children from another relationship, health insurance costs, or major medical expenses that may affect the final amount

Judges may also consider special expenses such as the cost of medical care, school, or extracurricular activities.

What Income Counts Toward Child Support in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, almost every type of income is counted when child support is calculated. This includes wages, salaries, commissions, and bonuses. It can also include income from self-employment, unemployment benefits, disability payments, or rental properties. Money from investments, military pay, or pensions may also count as income.

Some payments, like public assistance or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), are excluded. This is done so that parents who depend on need-based benefits are not asked to pay more than they can afford.

Before a final support order is issued, both parents must provide financial information, such as pay stubs or tax returns. This helps the court make sure the calculation is based on accurate data.

How Much Is Child Support Per Child in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin follows set percentages for basic child support when one parent has primary placement. Under Wis. Admin. Code DCF 150.03, the standard rates are:

• 17 percent of gross income for one child

• 25 percent for two children

• 29 percent for three children

• 31 percent for four children

• 34 percent for five or more children

For example, if a parent earns $4,000 a month and has one child, the monthly support payment would be about $680. If both parents share placement, meaning each has the child at least 25 percent of the time, or about 92 nights per year, the court uses a shared placement formula. This formula takes both parents’ incomes and the amount of time each parent spends with the child into account. The result is usually a lower payment since both parents are paying part of the costs directly.

In split placement cases, each parent has primary custody of at least one child. The court figures out how much support each parent would owe if the other had full custody, then compares the two amounts. The parent who owes the higher amount pays only the difference, making the payment fair for both sides.

Can a Judge Change the Guideline Amount for Child Support in Wisconsin?

The guidelines for calculating child support are not set in stone. Judges can change the amount if the standard formula would be unfair or not in the child’s best interests. They can review the family’s unique situation to decide what makes sense. Any change must be explained in writing. The judge has to show why the standard calculation does not fit the family’s circumstances and why the new amount is fairer.

How Can You Modify or Enforce a Wisconsin Child Support Order?

A child support order usually stays in place until the child turns 18, or 19 if still in high school. However, life is full of changes. When a change warrants an adjustment to child support, Wisconsin allows you to submit a modification request.

What constitutes a change in circumstances that is significant enough to warrant an update to child support? Losing a job, getting a new job, changes in income, or changes in how much time each parent spends with the child can all qualify. If the court agrees that things have changed, it can issue a new order that fits your current situation. To start the process, you must file a motion with the same court that issued your original order and include updated financial documents.

If child support payments are missed, the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) can take steps to collect what is owed. This may include wage withholding, tax refund interception, or license suspension. A judge can also hold the parent in contempt, which may lead to fines or jail time. Because interest builds quickly, it is best to request a modification as soon as financial issues arise.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Waukesha, WI Child Support Attorney

At Bucher, Wolff & Sonderhouse, LLP, our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to help families handle legal issues. Attorney Peter Wolff is a lifelong Brookfield resident and a former City of Brookfield police officer. Attorney Ronald Sonderhouse has lived in Waukesha County for more than 20 years. Both attorneys take pride in serving their neighbors with honesty, respect, and care.

If you need help establishing, enforcing, or modifying a child support order, contact our Pewaukee, WI child support lawyers at 262-232-6699 to schedule a free consultation today.