Idaho Child Support Calculator – Accurate & Easy to Use

What Is the Idaho Child Support Calculator?

The Idaho Child Support Calculator is an online tool designed to give parents a ballpark estimate of child support payments. It uses the Idaho Child Support Guidelines, which are based on both parents’ income, number of children, parenting time, and certain expenses like health insurance or child care.

Important note: This calculator gives an estimate only. The final amount can differ depending on a judge’s decision, adjustments for unique circumstances, or agreements between parents.

How the Calculator Works

The calculator is built around the Income Shares Model. Here’s what that means:

• Both parents’ gross monthly incomes are added together.
• That combined income is matched against Idaho’s child support schedule.
• Each parent is responsible for a percentage of the child’s needs, based on their share of the income.
• The parent who spends less time with the child (the non-custodial parent) usually makes the payment.

The calculator also takes into account:

• Number of children (1–6)
• Overnights with the non-custodial parent (parenting time can reduce support if over 25%)
• Children’s health insurance costs
• Work-related child care costs

The result is an estimated monthly support amount.

Step-by-Step: Using the Idaho Child Support Calculator

Here’s a simple breakdown of how to use it:

1. Enter Parent A’s gross monthly income (before taxes).
2. Enter Parent B’s gross monthly income.
3. Select the number of children.
4. Input overnights per year with the non-custodial parent (default is 80 nights).
5. Add health insurance premiums (if one parent is paying for the child’s coverage).
6. Add child care costs (work-related only).
7. Click Calculate.

The tool will instantly show the estimated monthly payment, including any possible adjustments for:

• Parenting time (if the non-custodial parent has more than 92 overnights per year).
• Low income (if the paying parent’s income is below federal poverty guidelines, the court may set a minimum of $50 per child).

You can also reset the form to start over.

Example Calculation

Let’s say:

• Parent A earns $4,000/month.
• Parent B earns $2,500/month.
• They have 2 children.
• The non-custodial parent has 80 overnights.
• Health insurance and child care costs are $0.

The calculator estimates the non-custodial parent’s payment at around $600–700 per month.

If the non-custodial parent had 120 overnights, the amount would likely be lower due to the parenting time adjustment.

Why the Calculator Is Helpful

• Quick estimates: Saves time by showing likely payment ranges.
• Fairness check: Helps both parents see how payments are calculated.
• Preparation tool: Useful before court hearings, mediation, or negotiations.
• Transparency: Puts the math in front of you, not hidden in legal paperwork.

Limits of the Calculator

While the Idaho Child Support Calculator is useful, it’s not the final word. The court may adjust the amount based on:

• Extraordinary medical expenses.
• Special needs of the child.
• Travel costs for visitation.
• Agreements between parents.
• Deviations allowed by law.

Always treat the calculator as informational only — not legal advice.

Key Takeaways

• The Idaho Child Support Calculator gives parents an estimate of monthly payments based on income, number of children, parenting time, and expenses.
• It uses Idaho’s official guidelines but cannot replace a court’s final order.
• It’s best used as a planning tool, helping parents understand how child support is likely calculated.
• If you’re unsure about your situation, consider speaking with a family law attorney for guidance.