This calculator uses the Arkansas Income Shares Model (Administrative Order No. 10) to estimate monthly child support obligations. Simply enter the monthly gross incomes of both parents and relevant expenses to see the estimated support amount.
Income Distribution & Support Share
What is the Arkansas Child Support Calculator?
The Arkansas Child Support Calculator is a tool designed to help parents and legal professionals estimate child support payments based on the current Administrative Order No. 10. In 2020, Arkansas transitioned from a "Payor Only" model to the "Income Shares Model." This modern approach recognizes that children should receive the same proportion of parental income they would have received if the parents lived together.
The Formula and Explanation
The calculation is based on several key variables:
- Combined Gross Income: The total pre-tax income of both parents.
- Basic Support Obligation: A dollar amount set by the state of Arkansas based on combined income and the number of children.
- Proportional Share: Each parent's percentage of the total income. If Parent A earns $6,000 and Parent B earns $4,000, Parent A is responsible for 60% of the support.
- Adjustments: Costs for health insurance, dental insurance, and work-related childcare are added to the basic obligation and shared proportionally.
| Combined Income | 1 Child (Est.) | 2 Children (Est.) | 3 Children (Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $2,000 | $$340 | $495 | $580 |
| $5,000 | $780 | $1,140 | $1,340 |
| $10,000 | $1,250 | $1,820 | $2,150 |
Practical Examples
Example 1: Equal Income
Parent A and Parent B both earn $3,000/month (Total $6,000). They have one child. The basic obligation is roughly $900. Since they each earn 50%, the payor would pay $450/month, adjusted for who pays the insurance.
Example 2: Higher Earner as Payor
Parent A (Payor) earns $8,000, and Parent B (Payee) earns $2,000. Parent A earns 80% of the total income. If the total support obligation (including childcare) is $2,000, Parent A would be responsible for $1,600/month.
How to Use the Calculator Step-by-Step
- Gather Income Data: Find your gross monthly income (before taxes). Include bonuses, commissions, and interest.
- Determine Expenses: Know the exact monthly cost of the child's health insurance premium and daycare.
- Input Numbers: Enter the incomes into the fields above.
- Select Child Count: Choose the number of children covered by this specific court order.
- Review Results: The calculator will show the "Payor's" estimated monthly obligation.
Key Factors Affecting Support
- Self-Support Reserve: Arkansas law includes a "Self-Support Reserve" to ensure the payor has enough money to maintain a basic standard of living.
- Imputed Income: If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, the court may "impute" income based on their earning potential.
- Other Dependents: Previous child support orders or other children living in the home can result in income adjustments.
- Custody Arrangements: While the formula is the primary guide, significant "shared custody" (usually more than 141 nights) may allow for a deviation from the standard calculation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is child support based on gross or net income in Arkansas?As of the 2020 update, Arkansas primarily uses Gross Monthly Income as the starting point for calculations.
2. Does remarriage affect child support?Generally, a new spouse's income is not included in the calculation of child support, but it might change the financial circumstances of the household.
3. When does child support end in Arkansas?Support typically ends when the child turns 18 or graduates high school, whichever happens last, unless the child is disabled.
4. Can I change my child support amount?Yes, if there is a "material change in circumstances" or if it has been 3 years since the last order and the amount would change by 20% or $100.
5. What if the payor doesn't pay?The Arkansas Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) can garnish wages, intercept tax refunds, or suspend driver's licenses.
6. How is "Gross Income" defined?It includes wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, workers' comp, disability, and even some types of government benefits.
7. Does the calculator handle split custody?This calculator provides the standard guideline. Split or joint custody often requires a more complex "pro-rata" calculation approved by a judge.
8. Are college expenses included?No, Arkansas law does not mandate child support for college expenses; it usually ends at age 18 or high school graduation.