Wisconsin Child Support Guidelines
Wisconsin uses the percentage of income model under Wis. Admin. Code DCF §150. The noncustodial parent pays a percentage of gross income. Shared placement adjustments apply at 25%+ overnight placement.
Wisconsin follows the Percentage of Income approach to calculating child support. The base percentages used in Wisconsin are approximately:
| Children | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guideline % | 17% | 25% | 29% | 31% | 34% | 34% |
How Wisconsin Calculates Child Support
Under the Percentage of Income model, Wisconsin calculates child support based on a fixed percentage of the noncustodial parent's income. This model is straightforward: the obligor pays a set percentage that increases with the number of children. The custodial parent's income is generally not factored into the basic calculation.
The simplicity of this model means the calculation is relatively straightforward. The key variable is the noncustodial parent's adjusted income. For one child, the obligor pays 17% of their income. For two children, it increases to 25%, and so on.
Key Factors in Wisconsin Child Support
Wisconsin courts consider several factors when determining child support obligations:
- Healthcare costs
- Childcare
- Variable costs
- Serial family provision
- High income payer adjustment
- Number of children requiring support
- Each parent's gross income
- Parenting time / overnight schedule
Self-Support Reserve
Wisconsin protects a self-support reserve of $1,100/month to ensure the paying parent can meet their own basic needs. If the obligor's income falls below this threshold, the court may reduce or suspend the child support obligation.
Shared Custody in Wisconsin
Wisconsin's shared custody threshold is 25% of overnights (approximately 91 nights per year). When the noncustodial parent has the child for at least this many overnights, the standard child support calculation is adjusted downward to reflect the direct spending that occurs during parenting time.
The more overnights the noncustodial parent has beyond the 25% threshold, the greater the reduction in child support. In a true 50/50 custody arrangement, the higher-earning parent typically pays the difference between what each parent would owe based on their income share.
Wisconsin Child Support FAQ
How is child support calculated in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin uses the Percentage of Income model. Wisconsin uses the percentage of income model under Wis. Admin. Code DCF §150. The noncustodial parent pays a percentage of gross income. Shared placement adjustments apply at 25%+ overnight placement. The guidelines were last updated in 2025.
What income is included in Wisconsin child support?
Wisconsin considers most forms of income including wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, self-employment earnings, rental and investment income, pensions, Social Security benefits, disability payments, and unemployment compensation. Pre-existing child support orders, mandatory taxes, and certain mandatory retirement contributions may be deducted.
Can Wisconsin child support be modified?
Yes. Either parent can petition the court to modify child support when there has been a substantial change in circumstances. Common reasons include a significant increase or decrease in either parent's income (typically 15-25%), a change in the custody arrangement, a change in the child's medical or educational needs, or a change in childcare costs. The modification takes effect from the date the motion is filed, not retroactively.
How long does child support last in Wisconsin?
In most cases, Wisconsin child support obligations continue until the child turns 18. Support may be extended if the child is still attending high school (typically until age 19 or graduation, whichever comes first). If the child has a disability that prevents self-support, the obligation may continue indefinitely. Some states also allow support through college — check Wisconsin's specific statutes.
What if a parent doesn't pay child support in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin takes child support enforcement seriously. The state child support agency can pursue several remedies including automatic wage garnishment, interception of federal and state tax refunds, suspension of driver's and professional licenses, denial of passport applications, seizure of bank accounts, placement of liens on property, and contempt of court proceedings that can result in fines or incarceration. Unpaid child support also accrues interest in most cases.