Child Support in Vermont: How Much Will You Owe?

Quick answer: it depends on both parents' incomes, how many children you have, and the parenting schedule. The calculator on this page turns those numbers into a real guideline estimate in about a minute. It is an educational estimate, not legal advice, and the judge always sets the final amount. FamilyCourtHelp.com is a self-help resource, not a law firm.

Wondering how much child support you will owe or receive in Vermont? The state uses one formula everywhere, so the same math applies in every county. This page explains how it works, lets you run a live estimate, and links to a dedicated page for each county at the bottom.

Vermont follows the Income Shares model under 15 V.S.A. §§ 653-663. The court combines both parents' monthly net incomes, looks up the basic support obligation on the state's guideline schedule for that income level and number of children, then prorates the obligation between the parents according to each parent's percentage share of the combined income.

What counts as income? Vermont runs the formula on net income, meaning income after taxes come out. Gross income from any source including wages, self-employment, severance, pensions, retirement, Social Security, workers' compensation, unemployment, and recurring gifts.

Parenting time matters directly in Vermont: the number of overnights each parent has changes the math itself. Vermont uses a shared-care formula, so parenting time can change the support number once a parent's overnights reach a level the guideline treats as shared physical custody. When parenting is roughly balanced, the court runs a shared-physical-custody calculation that accounts for the costs each home carries instead of using the standard single-home formula. The on-page calculator is only an estimate, and the official CS-167 worksheet and the family court decide the actual amount based on your real overnight schedule.

When does it end? Vermont child support generally ends at age 18 but extends through secondary school graduation up to age 21. Continuing support for disabled adult children is available.

Can the amount change later? File a motion in family division of superior court or request review through OCS. A real, substantial, and unanticipated change in circumstances, commonly a 10% income change, supports modification.

If payments fall behind, Vermont has real enforcement tools. Vermont OCS enforces through immediate income withholding, tax intercept, license suspension, lien filings, credit reporting, and contempt referrals.

Child support cases in Vermont are generally handled through the state's Superior Court, and Vermont Office of Child Support (Department for Children and Families) runs the state's child support services program. Forms and local practice can vary, so confirm the current details with your local court or the agency.

The calculator on this page is the same live engine behind our full Child Support Calculator. Enter both incomes, the number of children, and the overnight split, and the estimate updates instantly. The full calculator page adds extras like health insurance, child care costs, and saved scenarios.

Bottom line for Vermont: the guideline number comes from incomes, children, and parenting time. Run the estimate on this page, keep your paperwork honest and complete, and let the court confirm the final amount.

Frequently asked questions

How much child support will I owe in Vermont?

There is no flat amount. Vermont uses the Income Shares model under 15 V.S.A. §§ 653-663, so the number depends on both parents' incomes, the number of children, and the parenting schedule. The calculator on this page gives you a guideline estimate, and the court sets the final amount.

When does child support end in Vermont?

Age 18, or up to graduation from secondary school not past age 21.

Can the child support amount be changed later in Vermont?

Usually yes, when circumstances change enough. A real, substantial, and unanticipated change of circumstances; a 10% change in income is commonly cited.

Who handles child support cases in Vermont?

Cases are generally heard in the state's Superior Court, and Vermont Office of Child Support (Department for Children and Families) handles services like locating parents, establishing orders, and collecting payments.