Income shares on combined AVAILABLE income (gross minus taxes, FICA, prior CS, health insurance). Table of Intact Family Expenditures. Self-support reserve $1,596/mo (eff. Feb 2, 2026).
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Vermont calculates child support using the Income shares (combined available income) established under 15 VSA §656. This is a statutory formula that leaves limited room for judicial discretion on the base calculation amount, ensuring consistency and predictability for families across the state.
Combined available → schedule percentage → prorated by income share.
The calculation begins with determining each parent's net disposable income, which includes virtually all sources of income minus taxes, mandatory payroll deductions, and certain hardship deductions. The court then applies the statutory formula using the time each parent has primary physical responsibility for the children and the applicable income allocation brackets.
Beyond the base formula amount, Vermontrequires additional contributions for mandatory add-on expenses. These typically include childcare costs necessary for the custodial parent's employment or education, uninsured healthcare expenses for the children, and in some cases, educational and travel costs. These add-ons are split between parents in proportion to their respective incomes.
Primary statute: 15 VSA §656
Available income = gross - taxes - FICA - prior CS - health ins.
Self-support reserve $1,596/mo.
Presumed income $95,449.50/yr.
Self-support reserve $1,596/mo (eff. Feb 2, 2026).
Presumed income $95,449.50 (eff. July 1, 2025).
Progressive 3.35-8.75% state tax.
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Residency Requirement
6 months to file + 1 year before decree (two-step)
Mandatory Waiting Period
No waiting period beyond separation requirement
No-Fault Ground
6 months living separate and apart
State Income Tax
Progressive 3.35-8.75%.
Vermont uses the Income shares (combined available income) under 15 VSA §656. Income shares on combined AVAILABLE income (gross minus taxes, FICA, prior CS, health insurance). Table of Intact Family Expenditures. Self-support reserve $1,596/mo (eff. Feb 2, 2026).
Key factors include both parents' income, the number of children, custodial time share, mandatory add-on expenses (childcare, health insurance), and any applicable deductions. Available income = gross - taxes - FICA - prior CS - health ins.
Yes. Either parent can request a modification if there has been a material change in circumstances, such as a significant change in income, custody arrangements, or the needs of the child. The court will recalculate support using the same statutory formula.
Combined available → schedule percentage → prorated by income share.
Get a personalized child support calculation based on Vermont's actual statutory formula.
Start My Free VermontEstimate →This tool provides educational estimates based on Vermont family law and does not constitute legal advice. Child support calculations are approximations of the statutory formula and may differ from court-ordered amounts. Consult a licensed Vermont family law attorney before making decisions. Primary statute: 15 VSA §656.