Oregon Child Support Calculator
Estimate Oregon child support for 2026 using the Income Shares guideline model under OAR 137-050; ORS 25.275. Enter both parents' incomes and the parenting-time split to see what you may owe or receive.
Oregon follows the Income Shares model under OAR 137-050 and ORS 25.275. The court combines both parents' monthly gross 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.
Oregon factors parenting time directly into the support number through a shared-care formula based on the number of overnights each parent has with the child. The more overnights the paying parent exercises, the more the guideline can reduce that parent's share of the basic obligation, because the parent is already covering costs during their time. This parenting-time credit is one of the standard adjustments under OAR 137-050. Our on-page calculator gives an estimate, but the official Oregon guideline worksheet is what controls the final figure.
In Oregon, the cost of the child's health insurance premium is treated as an add-on to the basic support obligation rather than being ignored. The parent who pays the premium gets credit for it, and the total cost is divided between both parents in proportion to each parent's percentage share of the combined gross income. Cash medical support and the split of uninsured medical costs can also be addressed in the order. The on-page estimate is a starting point only, and the official worksheet controls.
Work-related child care and daycare costs are treated as an add-on under Oregon's guidelines, much like health insurance. Reasonable child care a parent pays so they can work or look for work is added to the basic support obligation and then divided between the parents according to each parent's share of the combined gross income. Because these costs change as children age, the order may revisit them over time. Use the calculator for a rough estimate and rely on the official Oregon worksheet for the exact amount.
Oregon's guideline number is presumed correct, but a court can deviate when applying the guideline would be unjust or inappropriate for the specific family. The parent asking for a different amount has the burden of showing why a rebuttal factor applies, and the judge must make written findings explaining the deviation. Factors can include other resources, special child needs, or the self-support reserve protecting a low-income parent. The calculator on this page is an estimate and not legal advice, so confirm any deviation with the official worksheet or a licensed Oregon attorney.
Frequently asked questions
How is child support calculated in Oregon?
Oregon uses the Income Shares model under OAR 137-050 and ORS 25.275. The court adds both parents' monthly gross incomes together, looks up the basic support obligation on the state's guideline schedule for that combined income and the number of children, then splits that obligation between the parents by each parent's percentage share of the combined income. Adjustments are then applied for things like the parenting-time overnight credit, health insurance, and child care. The idea is that the child receives the same share of parental income as if the household were intact. Our calculator estimates this, but the official Oregon guideline worksheet controls the final order.
Is there an official Oregon child support worksheet I should use?
Yes. Oregon publishes an official guideline calculator and worksheet through the Oregon Child Support Program, part of the Department of Justice, Division of Child Support. The worksheet at justice.oregon.gov/guidelines walks through combined gross income, the basic obligation from the guideline schedule, and each adjustment under OAR 137-050. That worksheet, not any third-party tool, is the controlling form that judges and the program rely on. The estimate you see here is meant to help you understand the math and plan ahead. For a binding number, complete the official Oregon worksheet and, if your case is complicated, have a licensed Oregon attorney review it.
What income does Oregon count when figuring child support?
Oregon calculates support from each parent's gross monthly income, not take-home pay. Gross income comes from almost any source, including wages, salaries, self-employment earnings, severance, pensions, retirement, Social Security, workers' compensation, unemployment benefits, and significant gifts. Because the state starts with gross income under OAR 137-050, deductions like taxes are not subtracted before the guideline runs. Self-employment income is generally net of legitimate business expenses but still must be documented. If you understate income, the Oregon Child Support Program or the court can look behind your paperwork. The calculator here uses the figures you enter, so accurate gross income produces a more reliable estimate.
How do overnights and a 50/50 schedule change Oregon child support?
Oregon builds parenting time into the guideline through a shared-care formula tied to the number of overnights each parent has. As the paying parent's overnights rise, the parenting-time credit grows and can lower that parent's share of the basic obligation, because that parent already covers costs during their time. A roughly equal, 50/50 schedule usually reduces the transfer payment, but it rarely zeroes it out, because the income shares model still accounts for any gap in the parents' incomes. The exact effect depends on the overnight counts and both incomes. Use the official Oregon worksheet to confirm how your specific schedule changes the number.
Can Oregon order support for a child who is over 18?
Oregon child support generally ends when the child turns 18. However, support can continue or be ordered for a 'child attending school' between the ages of 18 and 21 who is enrolled at least half time in school and is meeting academic standards. This means a parent's obligation may extend past high school for a young adult who is genuinely in school and making progress. The student usually has responsibilities to stay eligible. Because the rules around a child attending school are specific, check the order's terms and the Oregon Child Support Program guidance, and confirm details with a licensed Oregon attorney.
When can I modify an Oregon child support order?
You can ask to change an Oregon order when there is a substantial change in circumstances. Oregon also recognizes a roughly 15% change in income as supporting a modification, and the Oregon Child Support Program offers a periodic review about every three years even without a major change. You can file a motion in circuit court or request a review through the program. Common triggers include a job loss, a significant raise, a new parenting schedule, or changes in child care or health insurance costs. Run your new figures through the official Oregon worksheet first, since the estimate here only previews whether a change may be worth pursuing.
How does Oregon enforce a child support order if a parent does not pay?
The Oregon Child Support Program has strong tools to collect past-due and current support. Enforcement can include immediate income withholding from wages, intercepting state and federal tax refunds, suspending driver's, professional, and recreational licenses, filing liens against property, reporting the debt to credit bureaus, and referring serious cases for contempt. Arrears generally keep accruing until paid, so falling behind can grow into a significant debt. If your income drops, request a modification promptly rather than simply stopping payment, because unpaid support does not disappear on its own. The program and the court, not this calculator, handle actual enforcement and arrears.