Wisconsin uses a percentage-of-income model where child support is calculated as a percentage of the obligor's gross income. Shared placement (25%+ overnight care each parent) triggers a different calculation.
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Wisconsin calculates child support using the Percentage of income model established under Wis. Stat. § 767.511. 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.
Primary placement: percentage of obligor gross income (17/25/29/31/34%). Shared placement: each parent's obligation calculated, then offset.
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, Wisconsinrequires 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: Wis. Stat. § 767.511
Percentage of obligor gross income: 1 child = 17%, 2 = 25%, 3 = 29%, 4 = 31%, 5+ = 34%.
Shared placement threshold: 25%+ overnight care triggers offset calculation.
Variable placement and split custody provisions available.
Low-income payer provisions to ensure basic needs are met.
Wisconsin is a community property state with 50/50 presumption but two statutory exceptions: gifts and inheritances.
120-day mandatory waiting period — one of the longest in the US.
Answer a few questions about your income, custody, and children. Get your personalized estimate.
Residency Requirement
6 months state + 30 days county (Wis. Stat. § 767.301)
Mandatory Waiting Period
120-day mandatory waiting period (Wis. Stat. § 767.335) — one of the longest in the US
No-Fault Ground
Irretrievable breakdown
State Income Tax
Progressive 3.54–7.65% (4 brackets)
Wisconsin uses the Percentage of income model under Wis. Stat. § 767.511. Wisconsin uses a percentage-of-income model where child support is calculated as a percentage of the obligor's gross income. Shared placement (25%+ overnight care each parent) triggers a different calculation.
Key factors include both parents' income, the number of children, custodial time share, mandatory add-on expenses (childcare, health insurance), and any applicable deductions. Percentage of obligor gross income: 1 child = 17%, 2 = 25%, 3 = 29%, 4 = 31%, 5+ = 34%.
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.
Primary placement: percentage of obligor gross income (17/25/29/31/34%). Shared placement: each parent's obligation calculated, then offset.
Get a personalized child support calculation based on Wisconsin's actual statutory formula.
Start My Free WisconsinEstimate →This tool provides educational estimates based on Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin family law attorney before making decisions. Primary statute: Wis. Stat. § 767.511.