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Vermont Child Support Calculator (2026)

In Vermont, 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
Before-tax (gross)
Last updated
2024
Verified
2026-05-30

Source: VT Guidelines (15 V.S.A. § 656)

Calculate Your Vermont Child Support

Free estimate — official Vermont guidelines

Include wages, salary, bonuses, and other income

How Much Is Child Support in Vermont?

If you make $60,000 a year in Vermont, child support for 1 child is estimated at $528 per month ($6,336 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 $484/month for 1 child.

Vermont Child Support Estimates by Income (2026)

Annual Income 1 Child 2 Children 3 Children
$40,000/yr $411/mo $569/mo $672/mo
$50,000/yr $473/mo $656/mo $776/mo
$60,000/yr $528/mo $734/mo $869/mo
$70,000/yr $578/mo $805/mo $953/mo
$80,000/yr $624/mo $870/mo $1,032/mo
$100,000/yr $703/mo $982/mo $1,166/mo
$120,000/yr $746/mo $1,044/mo $1,239/mo

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

How Child Support Is Calculated in Vermont

Factors That Affect Child Support in Vermont

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
Technical details and legal basis

Vermont uses the Income Shares model (VT Guidelines (15 V.S.A. § 656)) 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 Vermont

  • Vermont 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 extrapolate or use discretion.

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 Vermont

  • Vermont 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.
  • Vermont includes adjustments for health insurance, child care costs, and parenting time.
  • A self-support reserve protects the paying parent's ability to meet basic living expenses.

Vermont Child Support FAQ

How is child support calculated in Vermont?
Vermont 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 Vermont child support?
Vermont uses gross income from all sources, including wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, rental income, investment income, and government benefits. The court may impute income to a parent who is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.
Does shared custody affect child support in Vermont?
Yes, Vermont 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 30% of overnights), the court may apply a shared custody adjustment to reflect the direct expenses incurred during that parenting time.
Can Vermont child support orders be modified?
Yes, Vermont child support orders can be modified if there is a real, substantial, and unanticipated change in circumstances. This includes significant changes in either parent's income, changes in custody arrangements, or changes in the child's needs. The Office of Child Support can assist with modification requests.
How long does child support last in Vermont?
In Vermont, child support generally continues until the child turns 18, or until the child completes high school if still enrolled at age 18 (up to age 19). Support may also continue for adult children with disabilities. Vermont courts cannot generally order support for college expenses unless the parents agree.

About This Calculator

Uses the official VT Guidelines (15 V.S.A. § 656) (2024 guidelines). Last verified: 2026-05-30.

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

Methodology: Income Shares model per VT Guidelines (15 V.S.A. § 656).

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