Wisconsin · Guidelines explained

How Wisconsin calculates child support

Wisconsin uses the Percentage of Income model under Wis. Stat. § 767.511. Here's exactly how the math works.

The formula

The Percentage of Income model

Only the non-custodial parent's income enters the formula. A fixed percentage — set by statute and scaled by the number of children — is applied directly to gross income. The result is the monthly obligation. Fewer variables means a simpler calculation, but there's no income-sharing component.

Quick reference

Key facts for Wisconsin

Income type: gross
Support ends: Age 18

Common questions

What the guidelines don't say

Not true: “50/50 custody means zero support”

Even with equal parenting time, the higher-earning parent typically still owes support if incomes are unequal. The formula accounts for time, but income differential drives the result.

Not true: “These numbers are the final word”

Courts can deviate from guideline amounts based on special circumstances — extraordinary expenses, disabled children, or other factors the formula doesn't capture. A calculator gives an estimate, not a court order.

Source

Official guidelines

This calculator implements the formula directly from Wisconsin's published guidelines. For the authoritative text: Wisconsin child support guidelines →

Last verified: 2024-01

Wisconsin uses a flat percentage of payer's gross income.

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