Rhode Island Child Support Calculator (2026)

Estimate your child support payments in Rhode Island using our free calculator based on the official RI Guidelines (RI Family Court Admin Order 2018-02). Enter your income details below to get an instant estimate.

Rhode Island Child Support Calculator

Based on Rhode Island's 2024 RI Guidelines (RI Family Court Admin Order 2018-02)

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This is an estimate only. See our full disclaimer.

Key Facts: Child Support in Rhode Island

  • Rhode Island uses the Income Shares model, basing child support on both parents' combined gross income.
  • The state schedule covers combined gross monthly incomes up to $15,000.
  • Each parent pays their proportional share based on their percentage of the combined gross income.
  • Rhode Island includes adjustments for health insurance, child care costs, and parenting time.
  • Guidelines are established by Family Court Administrative Order and reviewed periodically.

Source: RI Guidelines (RI Family Court Admin Order 2018-02) • Last verified: 2026-05-30

How Much Is Child Support in Rhode Island?

If you make $60,000 a year in Rhode Island, child support for 1 child is estimated at $534 per month ($6,408 per year) based on the RI Guidelines (RI Family Court Admin Order 2018-02). This assumes the other parent earns approximately $36,000/year. Actual amounts depend on both parents' incomes, custody arrangements, and additional expenses.

If you make $1,000 a week ($52,000/year) in Rhode Island, child support for 1 child is approximately $491/month.

Rhode Island Child Support Estimates by Income (2026)

Annual Income 1 Child 2 Children 3 Children
$40,000/yr $417/mo $577/mo $682/mo
$50,000/yr $479/mo $665/mo $787/mo
$60,000/yr $534/mo $743/mo $880/mo
$70,000/yr $584/mo $813/mo $964/mo
$80,000/yr $629/mo $878/mo $1,041/mo
$100,000/yr $708/mo $988/mo $1,173/mo
$120,000/yr $751/mo $1,049/mo $1,246/mo

Estimates assume the other parent earns 60% of your income. Actual amounts vary based on both parents' incomes, custody time, and adjustments. Compare all states →

How Child Support Is Calculated in Rhode Island

Rhode Island uses the Income Shares model to calculate child support obligations. This model combines both parents' incomes to determine the total child support obligation, then divides it proportionally based on each parent's share of the combined income.

Factors That Affect Child Support in Rhode Island

Both parents' gross monthly incomes
Number of children requiring support
Health insurance costs for the children
Work-related child care costs
Parenting time arrangement
Other child support obligations
Extraordinary medical or educational expenses
Special needs of the child

Important Notes for Rhode Island

  • Rhode Island uses the Income Shares model, combining both parents' gross incomes to determine the total child support obligation.
  • Each parent's share is proportional to their percentage of the combined gross income.
  • The schedule covers combined gross monthly incomes up to $15,000. For incomes above this amount, the court may exercise discretion.
  • Rhode Island's guidelines are established by Family Court Administrative Order and are reviewed periodically.

Example Child Support Calculation in Rhode Island

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

Step 1: Combined monthly income: $5,000 + $3,000 = $8,000

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

Step 3: Look up basic obligation from the guidelines schedule for $8,000 combined income and 2 children.

Step 4: Multiply the basic obligation by Parent A's share (62.5%) to determine their payment.

Note: Additional adjustments for health insurance, child care, and parenting time may apply.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island Child Support

How is child support calculated in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island uses the Income Shares model. Both parents' gross incomes are combined, and a basic child support obligation is determined from the state schedule (covering combined gross incomes up to $15,000/month). Each parent pays their proportional share based on their percentage of the combined income. Adjustments are made for health insurance, child care, and parenting time.
What income is used for Rhode Island child support?
Rhode Island uses gross income from all sources, including wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, rental income, interest, dividends, pension and retirement benefits, Social Security benefits, and workers' compensation. The court may impute income if a parent is voluntarily underemployed or unemployed.
Does shared custody affect child support in Rhode Island?
Yes, Rhode Island considers parenting time when calculating child support. When the non-custodial parent has the children for a significant portion of the time (generally more than 28% of overnights), the court may adjust the child support obligation to reflect the direct costs incurred during that time.
Can Rhode Island child support be modified?
Yes, Rhode Island child support orders can be modified if there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant change in income, a change in the child's needs, or a change in the custody arrangement. Either parent can file a motion to modify with the Family Court.
How long does child support last in Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, child support generally continues until the child turns 18. However, the court may order support to continue until age 19 if the child is still completing high school. Support may also be ordered for adult children with disabilities who cannot support themselves.

About This Calculator

This calculator uses the official RI Guidelines (RI Family Court Admin Order 2018-02) (2024 guidelines) to estimate child support in Rhode Island. Calculations were last verified against the official source on 2026-05-30.

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only and does not constitute legal advice. Actual child support amounts are determined by Rhode Island courts and may differ based on factors not included here. For legal advice, consult a Rhode Island family law attorney.

Our methodology: Based on the Income Shares model as defined in the RI Guidelines (RI Family Court Admin Order 2018-02). Updated for 2026.

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