Child Support In Light of the Latest Provisions

These percentages generally apply to a parent’s monthly income available for child support, subject to applicable adjustments and special circumstances.

For example, if a parent earns $4,000 per month in income available for child support and the standard 17% calculation applies for one child, the estimated child support obligation would be $680 per month.

However, actual support orders can differ depending on placement arrangements, income, existing support obligations, and other factors.

 

How Does Shared Placement Affect Child Support?

Wisconsin child support calculations consider how much time children spend with each parent.

When both parents have court-ordered physical placement for at least 25% of the time, generally at least 92 days per year, and each is responsible for basic support costs during placement, the shared-placement formula may apply.

Under this formula, the court considers:

• Each parent’s income available for child support

• The percentage of time children spend with each parent

• The applicable child support percentage

• The additional costs of maintaining two households for the children

• Certain variable expenses associated with raising the children

Shared placement does not automatically eliminate child support. Even when parents divide placement equally, one parent may still owe support depending on the difference between their incomes.

What Income Is Considered for Wisconsin Child Support?

Wisconsin courts may consider several sources of income when determining child support, including:

• Wages and salaries

• Self-employment and business income

• Bonuses and commissions

• Rental and investment income

• Certain benefits and other forms of compensation

• A parent’s earning capacity in appropriate circumstances

The court may also consider whether a parent has existing legal obligations to support other children.

Because income can be calculated differently depending on employment arrangements and individual circumstances, accurate financial information is important.

Can Child Support Be Modified in Wisconsin?

Yes. Wisconsin law allows child support orders to be reviewed and modified under certain circumstances.

A parent generally must demonstrate a substantial change in circumstances to obtain a modification of an existing support order.

Situations that may justify reviewing a child support order include:

• A significant increase or decrease in income

• Job loss or changes in employment

• Changes in physical placement arrangements

• Changes in a child’s financial needs

• Certain changes in health insurance or other relevant expenses

Wisconsin law also establishes rebuttable presumptions of a substantial change in circumstances in certain situations, including the passage of 33 months since the last support order modification.

However, a modification is not automatic. The court must evaluate the applicable legal requirements and circumstances.

Parents should not assume that a verbal agreement or informal payment arrangement changes an existing court order.

What Happens if a Parent Does Not Pay Child Support?

Wisconsin has several methods for enforcing child support orders when payments are overdue.

Depending on the circumstances, enforcement measures may include:

• Income withholding from wages

• Interception of eligible tax refunds

• Suspension of certain licenses

• Liens against property

• Court enforcement proceedings

• Other remedies permitted under Wisconsin law

Parents experiencing financial difficulties should seek information about modifying their child support orders rather than simply stopping payments.

Unpaid child support may continue to accumulate as arrears even when a parent’s financial circumstances have changed.

Does Child Support Cover Medical Expenses?

Wisconsin child support orders may address medical support in addition to basic child support payments.

Depending on the circumstances, parents may be required to provide health insurance or contribute toward their children’s healthcare expenses.

Courts may also allocate responsibility for uninsured medical expenses and other costs not covered by ordinary child support payments.

The specific responsibilities depend on the support order and applicable Wisconsin law.

When Does Child Support End in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, child support generally continues until a child turns 18.

However, support may continue until age 19 if the child is still pursuing a high school diploma or its equivalent through a qualifying course of instruction.

Additional obligations, including unpaid child support arrears, may remain enforceable after the regular support obligation ends.

Parents should review their court orders before assuming that payments have ended.