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Wisconsin Child Support Calculator & Guidelines (2026)

Estimate Wisconsin child support under Wis. Admin. Code DCF § 150.03 — Percentage of Income model, current caps and percentages, with a step-by-step worked example.

Estimate Your Child Support

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Wisconsin Child Support Rules at a Glance

Guideline model Percentage of Income
Income basis Gross (pre-tax) income
How it works 17% for 1 child, 25% for 2 children, 29% for 3 children, 31% for 4 children, 34% for 5 children.
Caps & limits High-income payer: reduced percentages apply to income above $7,000/mo and again above $12,500/mo (DCF 150.04) — v1 flags but does not tier
Statute / rule Wis. Admin. Code DCF § 150.03
Parameters verified 2026-07

Worked Example: $5,000 + $3,000 Income, Two Children

  1. Paying parent’s monthly income: $5,000 - other parent’s: $3,000 - two children, primary custody.
  2. Guideline percentage for two children under Wis. Admin. Code DCF § 150.03: 25%.
  3. $5,000 x 25% = $1,250 per month.

Result: $1,250 per month

Wisconsin Child Support FAQ

How is child support calculated in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin applies fixed percentages of the paying parent’s gross (pre-tax) income under Wis. Admin. Code DCF § 150.03. 17% for 1 child, 25% for 2 children, 29% for 3 children, 31% for 4 children, 34% for 5 children.

Does Wisconsin use gross or net income for child support?

Wisconsin calculates support on gross (pre-tax) income as defined in Wis. Admin. Code DCF § 150.03. High-income payer: reduced percentages apply to income above $7,000/mo and again above $12,500/mo (DCF 150.04) — v1 flags but does not tier.

Can a Wisconsin court order more or less than the guideline amount?

Yes. The guideline amount under Wis. Admin. Code DCF § 150.03 is presumptive, not absolute - courts may deviate with written findings for factors like extraordinary medical or educational needs, other children supported, or very high income beyond the guideline range.

How do I apply for or modify child support in Wisconsin?

Apply through the Wisconsin child support agency or the family court in your county. Existing orders can be modified on a substantial change in circumstances - typically a significant income change, job loss, or a change in custody. The official calculator/worksheet is linked on this page (dcf.wisconsin.gov).

What percentage of income is child support for 2 kids in Wisconsin?

25% of the paying parent’s gross (pre-tax) income under Wis. Admin. Code DCF § 150.03. See the calculator above for your exact figure.

Official Wisconsin Resources

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About This Estimate

Estimate only — not legal advice. Based on Wisconsin guidelines (Wis. Admin. Code DCF § 150.03), last verified 2026-07. Courts may deviate. For an official figure use the official Wisconsin calculator.