Official DCF 150 Percentage-of-Income Estimate
Wisconsin applies the Percentage of Income Standard as established in Chapter DCF 150 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code. Unlike "Income Shares" models, Wisconsin's primary calculation focuses solely on the paying parent's (obligor) gross income and the number of children. This model is straightforward: the state assumes a certain percentage of income would have been spent on the children if the parents lived together.
(Numbers below are illustrative only, not official figures)
Wisconsin uses "gross income," which is income from all sources before any taxes or deductions. This includes wages, tips, commissions, bonuses, and interest. While Texas uses "net resources," Wisconsin applies its percentages to the larger "gross" figure.
Wisconsin's standard percentages are: 17% for one child, 25% for two, 29% for three, 31% for four, and 34% for five or more children.
In the standard calculation, the custodial parent's income is not used. However, if parents have a "Shared-Placement" arrangement (each parent has the child at least 25% of the time, or 92 days a year), the formula changes significantly to account for both parents' incomes and time spent.
Support typically ends when the child turns 18, or up to age 19 if they are still pursuing a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Estimate only. This page is an educational tool. For a binding order, consult the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families or a family-law attorney.