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North Dakota Child Support Calculator (2026)

In North Dakota, child support is based on both parents' combined income and the number of children. The total is split between you based on how much each parent earns, and parenting time can change the amount. Use the free calculator below for an instant estimate.

How it's calculated
Both parents' income combined
Income used
Take-home pay (after taxes)
Last updated
2024
Verified
2026-05-30

Source: ND Guidelines (NDCC 14-09-09.7)

Calculate Your North Dakota Child Support

Free estimate — official North Dakota guidelines

Your income after taxes and required deductions

How Much Is Child Support in North Dakota?

If you make $60,000 a year in North Dakota, child support for 1 child is estimated at $730 per month ($8,760 per year). This assumes the other parent earns approximately $36,000/year. Actual amounts depend on both parents' incomes, custody time, and add-on expenses (child care, health insurance).

$1,000/week ($52,000/year): approximately $667/month for 1 child.

North Dakota Child Support Estimates by Income (2026)

Annual Income 1 Child 2 Children 3 Children
$40,000/yr $561/mo $757/mo $883/mo
$50,000/yr $651/mo $879/mo $1,024/mo
$60,000/yr $730/mo $986/mo $1,150/mo
$70,000/yr $800/mo $1,081/mo $1,261/mo
$80,000/yr $863/mo $1,166/mo $1,359/mo
$100,000/yr $969/mo $1,309/mo $1,526/mo
$120,000/yr $1,026/mo $1,386/mo $1,617/mo

Estimates assume the other parent earns 60% of your income. Actual amounts vary. Compare all states →

How Child Support Is Calculated in North Dakota

Factors That Affect Child Support in North Dakota

Obligor's net monthly income
Number of children requiring support
Health insurance costs for the children
Child care costs necessary for employment
Parenting time schedule
Other child support obligations
Extraordinary medical or educational expenses
Standard of living the child would have enjoyed had the family remained intact
Technical details and legal basis

North Dakota uses the Income Shares model (ND Guidelines (NDCC 14-09-09.7)) to calculate child support. This model combines both parents' incomes to determine the total obligation, then divides it proportionally based on each parent's share.

Important Notes for North Dakota

  • North Dakota uses a guideline schedule based on the obligor's net income that functions similarly to an Income Shares model.
  • Net income is calculated by deducting federal and state taxes, FICA, health insurance premiums for the obligor, and other mandatory deductions from gross income.
  • The court may deviate from the guidelines based on the needs of the child, the obligor's ability to pay, and other equitable factors.

Example Calculation

Scenario: Parent A earns $5,000/month, Parent B earns $3,000/month, 2 children.

Step 1: Combined income: $8,000

Step 2: Parent A's share: $5,000 / $8,000 = 62.5%

Step 3: Look up basic obligation for $8,000 combined and 2 children.

Step 4: Multiply by Parent A's share (62.5%).

Adjustments for health insurance, child care, and parenting time may apply.

Key Facts: Child Support in North Dakota

  • North Dakota uses a guideline schedule based on the obligor's net income to calculate child support obligations.
  • The basic child support obligation for 1 child ranges from approximately $210/month at $1,000 net income to $1,642/month at $15,000 monthly net income.
  • Net income is calculated by deducting federal and state taxes, FICA, health insurance premiums, and mandatory retirement contributions from gross income.
  • North Dakota considers parenting time arrangements and may adjust support when the non-custodial parent has significant custodial time.
  • Courts may deviate from the guidelines based on the child's needs, the obligor's ability to pay, and other equitable factors.

North Dakota Child Support FAQ

How is child support calculated in North Dakota?
North Dakota uses a guideline schedule based on the obligor's net income. The schedule determines a base child support obligation based on the paying parent's net monthly income and the number of children. Adjustments are made for health insurance, child care costs, and parenting time arrangements.
What income is used for North Dakota child support?
North Dakota uses net income, which is gross income minus federal and state taxes, FICA (Social Security and Medicare), health insurance premiums for the obligor, mandatory pension or retirement contributions, and union dues. Gross income includes wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, and other income sources.
Does shared custody affect child support in North Dakota?
Yes, North Dakota considers parenting time when calculating child support. When the non-custodial parent has the children for a significant amount of time, the court may adjust the support obligation to reflect the direct costs incurred during that parenting time.
Can North Dakota courts deviate from the child support guidelines?
Yes, North Dakota courts may deviate from the guidelines when applying them would be unjust or inappropriate. The court considers factors such as the child's special needs, the financial resources of each parent, the standard of living the child would have enjoyed, and any other relevant circumstances.
How long does child support last in North Dakota?
In North Dakota, child support generally continues until the child turns 18. If the child is still attending high school at age 18, support continues until graduation or age 19, whichever comes first. Support may continue for adult children with disabilities who are unable to support themselves.
Is this North Dakota child support calculator updated for 2026?
Yes. This calculator uses North Dakota's 2024 guideline schedule under NDCC 14-09-09.7, which remains the current schedule. The figures were last verified against the official North Dakota Courts source on May 30, 2026.
How much is child support in North Dakota for 1 child?
It depends on the obligor's net monthly income. At $1,000 net income, the basic obligation for 1 child is $210 per month. At $5,000 net income it's $858 per month, and at $10,000 net income it's $1,332 per month, based on North Dakota's guideline schedule.
Does the North Dakota child support calculator include alimony or spousal support?
No, this calculator estimates child support only. Alimony, or spousal support, is decided separately by North Dakota courts using different factors, such as the length of the marriage and each spouse's financial resources.
What factors determine child support in North Dakota?
North Dakota bases child support on the obligor's net monthly income and the number of children requiring support. Courts also consider health insurance and child care costs, the parenting time schedule, other support obligations, extraordinary medical or educational expenses, and the standard of living the child would have enjoyed had the family remained intact.
What is North Dakota's self-support reserve for child support?
North Dakota's self-support reserve is $15,960 per year, based on the 2026 federal poverty level for one person. If the paying parent's net income falls at or below this reserve, the court weighs this floor before setting the final support obligation.

About This Calculator

Uses the official ND Guidelines (NDCC 14-09-09.7) (2024 guidelines). Last verified: 2026-05-30.

Disclaimer: Estimates only, not legal advice. Actual amounts are set by North Dakota courts. Full disclaimer.

Methodology: Income Shares model per ND Guidelines (NDCC 14-09-09.7).

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