Vermont Child Support Calculator (2026)

Estimate your child support payments in Vermont using our free calculator based on the official VT Guidelines (15 V.S.A. § 656). Enter your income details below to get an instant estimate.

Vermont Child Support Calculator

Based on Vermont's 2024 VT Guidelines (15 V.S.A. § 656)

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This is an estimate only. See our full disclaimer.

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.

Source: VT Guidelines (15 V.S.A. § 656) • Last verified: 2026-05-30

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) based on the VT Guidelines (15 V.S.A. § 656). 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 Vermont, child support for 1 child is approximately $484/month.

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 based on both parents' incomes, custody time, and adjustments. Compare all states →

How Child Support Is Calculated in Vermont

Vermont 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 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

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 Child Support Calculation in Vermont

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 Vermont Child Support

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

This calculator uses the official VT Guidelines (15 V.S.A. § 656) (2024 guidelines) to estimate child support in Vermont. 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 Vermont courts and may differ based on factors not included here. For legal advice, consult a Vermont family law attorney.

Our methodology: Based on the Income Shares model as defined in the VT Guidelines (15 V.S.A. § 656). Updated for 2026.

Child Support Calculators for Other States

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