Vermont Child Support Calculator 2026
Free Vermont child support estimator using the 2026 state guidelines
How Vermont Calculates Child Support
- ✓Vermont disposable income = gross income minus state and federal taxes
- ✓Percentage adjustments for extraordinary parenting time (more than 30% of the year)
- ✓Medical support and childcare costs are allocated separately and added to the base
- ✓Vermont uses 'disposable income', gross income minus federal and state taxes, rather than true net income or gross income, placing it in a distinct category among northeastern states
- ✓Vermont's parenting time adjustment applies when the non-custodial parent has more than 30% of annual overnights; OCS uses a custody percentage formula that reduces support incrementally above the 30% threshold
Vermont Child Support Laws at a Glance
⚖️ Governing Statute
15 V.S.A. § 659
🏛️ Enforcement Agency
OCS (Office of Child Support)
📅 Support Ends At
Age 18 or high school graduation, whichever is later
Understanding Vermont's Child Support Formula
Vermont uses the Income Shares model, which is the most widely adopted child support framework in the United States — used by approximately 40 states. The central principle is that a child should receive the same proportion of combined parental income they would have benefited from if both parents had remained together in a single household. Rather than placing the entire burden on one parent, both parents contribute to a baseline obligation determined by their combined income.
In Vermont, each parent's gross income is converted to net income using a 74% net factor. The two net incomes are added together. A state-published schedule — updated periodically by the legislature, sets the Basic Child Support Obligation for families at each combined income level. Each parent is then responsible for their proportional share of that baseline, adjusted upward for any health insurance premiums or work-related childcare costs they pay. If the paying parent exercises significant parenting time, a parenting time credit may further reduce the obligation.
For example, if Parent A earns 65% of the combined net household income, Parent A pays 65% of the basic obligation, not all of it, and not an arbitrary flat sum. This proportionality is what makes the Income Shares model more equitable for cases where both parents earn meaningful incomes.
Sample Vermont Child Support Calculation
Scenario: Parent A (paying parent) earns $5,500/month gross. Parent B earns $3,000/month gross. 1 child. Parent A has 20% parenting time.
The final Vermont order will also factor in any health insurance premiums and work-related childcare costs. Parenting time above 20% typically generates a parenting time credit that can reduce the amount further.
Vermont Child Support, Frequently Asked Questions
Does Vermont use Income Shares or the Percentage model?
Vermont uses the Income Shares model. Both parents' incomes are considered, combined into a total net income figure, and a state schedule determines the baseline child support amount. Each parent then pays their proportional share of that baseline. This means a higher-earning parent in Vermont will pay a larger fraction of the obligation than a lower-earning one.
What is the average child support payment in Vermont?
Child support awards in Vermont typically range from $400–$900/month based on current data. The actual amount varies significantly depending on both parents' incomes, the number of children, custody arrangements, and whether costs like health insurance or childcare are included in the order. Higher income households and multiple children will produce awards above this range.
Can a Vermont judge order a different amount than the calculator shows?
Yes. The Vermont guidelines produce a presumptive amount — the starting point, but a judge can deviate from it when following the guidelines would be unjust or inappropriate in a specific case. Common reasons for deviation include extraordinary medical or educational expenses, one parent directly paying significant healthcare premiums, a parent's substantial assets or non-wage income, the needs of children from other relationships, or significant travel costs related to custody exchanges.
How do you modify a child support order in Vermont?
Either parent can petition the Vermont court to modify an existing child support order when there has been a substantial change in circumstances. This typically means a significant change in either parent's income (usually 15–20% or more), a change in custody or parenting time, the child developing extraordinary medical or educational needs, or a change in the cost of health insurance. Most states, including Vermont, also allow automatic review every three years if either party requests it, even without proving a substantial change.
When does child support end in Vermont?
In Vermont, child support terminates at: Age 18 or high school graduation, whichever is later. The governing law is 15 V.S.A. § 659, administered by the OCS (Office of Child Support). If you have an existing order and believe your child is approaching the termination age, contact OCS (Office of Child Support) or your family law attorney to confirm the specific end date and ensure a formal termination order is entered.
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USLegalCalc.com provides estimates and document templates for informational purposes only. Results are not legal advice and vary by jurisdiction. Always consult a licensed attorney before making legal decisions.