When parents decide to live apart, the top priority is ensuring the children have what they need to thrive. In the Badger State, the law is very clear about one thing: both parents are responsible for the financial well-being of their kids.
The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) manages the state’s program. Their goal is to ensure every Wisconsin child receives the funds they need for food, clothing, and a safe place to live. While legal terms might seem scary, the system is actually based on a few straightforward math rules. Because Wisconsin uses a "Child Support Standard," the amount you pay or receive is usually predictable, which helps parents plan for their kids' future.
How does Wisconsin determine child support?
In Wisconsin, the courts use a set of child support guidelines to determine the amount of child support. The main goal is to keep the child's standard of living as close as possible to what it would have been if the parents stayed together. This ensures that children do not suffer financially just because their parents no longer live in the same house.
What is the Percentage of Income Standard?
The most common way to determine child support is called the "Percentage of Income Standard." This method looks at the gross income of the paying parent . Gross income is all the money you make before taxes are taken out. It includes your salary, bonuses, tips, and even things like workers' compensation.
How does the number of children change the payment?
The amount of financial support required goes up based on how many kids you have. The court applies a fixed percentage to the payer’s income.
As of 2026, the standard rates are:
- 17% of gross income for one child
- 25% of gross income for two children
- 29% of gross income for three children
- 31% of gross income for four children
- 34% of gross income for five or more children
What happens in a shared placement situation?
Years ago, one parent typically had the children full-time while the other visited on weekends. Today, many families use shared placement. In Wisconsin, this is defined as a situation where both parents have the child for at least 25% of the year. In terms of nights, that means each parent has at least 92 overnights per year.
How do shared placement rules affect the math?
When parents share time, the child support calculation becomes more complex. The court considers both parents' incomes rather than just one. The logic is that if a child is living with you for a large part of the year, you are already spending money on their food and utilities. The formula reduces the amount of support paid to account for these shared costs. This ensures the child support order is fair to both the mother and the father.
What counts as income for child support?
A common question in Wisconsin child support basics is what the judge considers "money." It isn't just your hourly wage. The Wisconsin child support system is thorough to ensure children receive the support they deserve.
Is only my paycheck counted?
No. The court looks at almost every source of money. This includes wages, salaries, and tips from all jobs. It also counts interest from bank accounts or investments, unemployment insurance, and social security disability. Even military allowances for housing or food are included.
Sometimes, a parent might try to quit their job or work fewer hours to avoid making child support payments. This is called being "underemployed." If a judge thinks you are doing this on purpose, they can "impute" income. This means they charge you support based on what you could be earning, not what you are actually making. They look at your work history, education, and the local job market to find a fair number.
Standard Child Support Percentages and Rules
To give you a clear idea of how the state views these obligations, here is a breakdown of the standard expectations in 2026.
Topic | Standard Rule in Wisconsin | Notes |
Calculation Model | Percentage of Income | Standard for primary placement. |
Shared Placement | 92+ overnights per year | Triggers the shared-income formula. |
High Income Payers | Tiered percentages | Applies if income is over $84,000/year. |
Medical Support | Mandatory in every order | Both parents share co-pays and insurance. |
Review Period | Every 33 to 36 months | You can ask the court to check the math. |
How are child support payments actually made?
Once the judge signs the court orders, funds must begin to move. In Wisconsin, the most common way to pay is through "income withholding." This means your employer deducts the funds from your paycheck and remits them to the Wisconsin Support Collections Trust Fund (WI SCTF).
Why is the Trust Fund used?
Using a state trust fund makes sure there is a permanent record of every dollar paid. You should never pay "under the table" with cash. If you give your ex-spouse cash without going through the state, the court might not count it as support, and you could still be listed as owing money. The WI SCTF maintains payment records so both parents can see exactly what has been paid.
Can you change a child support order?
Life changes. You might lose your job, or your ex-spouse might get a huge raise. In Wisconsin, you don't have to keep the same order forever. However, you cannot just stop paying because your situation changed.
When can I request a modification?
You can ask for a review if there is a "substantial change in circumstances." This usually means your income went up or down by a large amount (typically 15% or more), or the placement schedule changed significantly. To change the amount, you must file a motion with the clerk of court. A verbal agreement between parents is not a legal change. Until a judge signs a new child support order, you are legally required to pay the old amount.
What happens if a parent refuses to pay?
Wisconsin takes court orders very seriously. If a parent falls behind on their financial support, the state has several "enforcement" tools to collect the money.
What are the penalties for not paying?
If you don't make your child support payments, the state can intercept your tax refunds, suspend your driver's license, or even report the debt to credit bureaus. In extreme cases, a judge can find a parent in "contempt of court." This can result in jail time until a specified portion of the debt is paid.
Tips for Managing Your Child Support Case
Whether you are the payer or the recipient, staying organized is the best thing you can do.
- Keep your address updated
- If the child support agency can't find you, you might miss a court date or an important notice.
- Report job changes immediately: If you lose your job, tell the agency and the court right away. The debt clock doesn't stop just because you are unemployed.
- Check your records: Log in to the Child Support Online Services (CSOS) website regularly to ensure your payments are recorded correctly.
Managing the Wisconsin child support process is a long-term commitment. It lasts until your youngest child reaches adulthood. By knowing these Wisconsin child support basics, you can focus less on the stress of the legal system and more on being the best parent you can be.
If you are looking for more information on local court rules, you can check sites like browncountywi.gov or kenoshachildsupport.com to find the agency in your specific area. Knowledge is your best tool for ensuring your children have a bright and stable future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does child support last in Wisconsin?
In most cases, child support continues until the child turns 18. If the child is still in high school and expected to graduate before age 19, support usually continues until graduation or the child turns 19, whichever comes first.
Does child support cover college expenses?
No. Wisconsin courts cannot order parents to pay for college tuition or related expenses as part of child support. Parents may agree to share college costs, but this must be voluntary and documented in a separate agreement.
What if the paying parent has other children to support?
If the paying parent has legal responsibility for other children, the court may adjust the child support calculation. This is handled through alternative formulas designed to balance support obligations fairly among all children.
Can child support be waived if parents agree?
Generally, no. Child support is considered the right of the child, not the parents. Even if both parents agree to waive payments, a judge must approve the agreement, and it must still meet Wisconsin’s legal standards.
What happens if I lose my job?
You are still required to pay child support until the order is officially modified. If you lose your job or your income drops significantly, you should immediately file a motion to modify the order. Waiting can lead to unpaid support and penalties.
Are child support payments taxable?
No. Child support payments are not tax-deductible for the paying parent, and the receiving parent does not report them as taxable income.
Can child support be paid directly to the other parent?
It is strongly discouraged. Payments should go through the Wisconsin Support Collections Trust Fund (WI SCTF). Direct or cash payments may not be credited properly and could leave you legally responsible for unpaid support.
What if the other parent denies placement or visitation?
Child support and placement are legally separate issues. You cannot stop paying child support because the other parent interferes with placement. Instead, you must address placement issues through the court.
How often can child support be reviewed?
Wisconsin allows a review every 33 to 36 months, even without a major change in circumstances. If there is a significant change (usually 15% or more in income), you may request a review sooner.
Where can I check my child support balance and payment history?
You can log in to Wisconsin Child Support Online Services (CSOS) to view payment records, balances, and case details at any time.