Formula Used
This calculator uses a flexible income-shares planning model. It is designed for mediation preparation, not for a final legal order.
Net income = gross monthly income - required deductions - existing support paid.
Base support pool = adjusted combined net income x support rate.
Total support pool = base support pool + health insurance + childcare + extra child costs.
Payer amount = total support pool x payer income share - parenting time credit - direct cost credit.
Parenting credit = payer gross share x payer overnights / 365 x parenting credit strength.
Recommended payment = estimated monthly support + optional arrears monthly payment.
How To Use This Calculator
Enter each parent's monthly income before tax. Add only regular deductions that are required or agreed. Select the child count. Enter health insurance, childcare, and extra child costs by the parent who pays them. Choose the payer manually or let the tool select the higher net-income parent. Add payer overnights and any arrears plan. Press the calculate button. The result appears above the form and below the header. Download CSV or PDF for review.
Planning Support Before Mediation
A child support discussion can become tense fast. Clear numbers help both parents slow down. This calculator gives a structured estimate before a Skylark Mediation session. It is not a court order. It is a planning worksheet for calm talks.
Why This Tool Helps
Parents often bring different notes, pay stubs, and bills. Those records can be hard to compare. The form places income, deductions, parenting days, care costs, and direct payments in one view. It then turns them into a monthly estimate. The result can show a fair starting point. It can also reveal which number needs better proof.
Inputs That Matter
The strongest inputs are monthly income, required deductions, child count, and parenting time. Health insurance, childcare, medical costs, and education costs can change the estimate. Existing support orders may also reduce available income. Enter only regular and documented amounts. Do not include one-time gifts unless both parents agree.
Using The Result
Read the final support amount with the breakdown. Compare the payer income share with the direct cost credit. Check the parenting credit carefully. More overnights may reduce the estimate because the payer covers more daily costs. A high credit should match a real schedule. If the schedule is uncertain, run two or three scenarios.
Mediation Best Practices
Use the CSV download for records. Use the PDF download for a simple meeting summary. Bring recent income proof and receipts. Discuss child needs first. Then discuss the formula. This keeps the focus on practical care, not blame. If parents disagree, adjust one input at a time. Small changes are easier to review.
Important Limits
Every area has its own support rules. Courts may use different income definitions, caps, minimums, or add-on rules. A mediator may help parents organize facts, but legal advice comes from qualified counsel. Treat this estimate as a negotiation aid. Confirm final terms before signing any agreement.
Reviewing Several Scenarios
Support talks rarely end with one calculation. Try a current income scenario, a reduced income scenario, and a future childcare scenario. Save each result separately. This helps parents see risk. It also supports fair temporary plans while documents, schedules, or job changes are being verified by both parents during mediation together.
FAQs
Is this calculator a legal child support order?
No. It is a planning estimate for mediation discussions. A court, statute, or legal adviser may require a different worksheet, rate, income definition, or adjustment.
Why does the payer change automatically?
The auto option selects the parent with higher net monthly income. You can override it when a parenting plan or mediation issue requires a specific payer.
What are required deductions?
Required deductions may include taxes, mandatory retirement, union dues, or similar items. Use amounts that both parents can document and review.
How are childcare and insurance handled?
They are added to the support pool. The payer receives credit for direct child-related costs they already pay each month.
What does parenting credit strength mean?
It controls how strongly payer overnights reduce support. A higher value gives more credit for direct care time. Use an agreed setting.
When should I use a custom support rate?
Use it when a mediator, local worksheet, or agreed scenario uses a different percentage. Enter 0 to use the built-in child-count table.
What is the self-support reserve?
It protects a minimum amount of payer net income before support is finalized. Local rules may set another reserve or ignore it.
Can I save the calculation?
Yes. Use the CSV option for spreadsheet review. Use the PDF option for a simple mediation summary and meeting record.