Indiana uses an income-based formula, not a fixed amount
Indiana does not have a flat child support amount. Instead, the state uses the Income Shares Model, which calculates support based on what both parents earn. The court takes each parent's gross monthly income, applies a percentage based on how many children need support, and divides the obligation between them according to custody arrangement.
The percentage ranges from 17% of combined parental income for one child up to 32% for six or more children. If you have a child in Indiana, the actual dollar amount you pay or receive depends entirely on both parents' incomes and the custody order.
Key Takeaways
- Indiana calculates child support as a percentage of both parents' combined gross income, ranging from 17% for one child to 32% for six or more children.
- The obligated parent (usually the non-custodial parent) pays their proportional share of the total obligation based on their income relative to the other parent's income.
- Gross income includes wages, salary, bonuses, self-employment earnings, rental income, and certain benefits, but excludes TANF and SSI payments.
- The court can adjust the standard amount up or down based on factors like overnight custody time, work-related childcare costs, and health insurance premiums for the child.
- Child support orders in Indiana remain in effect until the child turns 19 or graduates high school, whichever comes later.
What counts as income for child support calculations
Indiana law defines gross income broadly. It includes wages and salary, bonuses and commissions, self-employment net income, rental and investment income, unemployment benefits, workers' compensation, Social Security benefits (except SSI), pension and retirement distributions, and spousal support received from another relationship.
Income does not include Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or child support received from another child's other parent. If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, the court may impute income — meaning it assigns an income level based on what the parent could earn — though this requires clear evidence the parent deliberately reduced earnings to avoid support.
Self-employed parents must provide tax returns and business records. The court uses net self-employment income after legitimate business expenses, not gross revenue.
How the percentage obligation breaks down by number of children
| Number of Children | Percentage of Combined Income |
|---|---|
| 1 child | 17% |
| 2 children | 25% |
| 3 children | 29% |
| 4 children | 31% |
| 5 children | 32% |
| 6 or more children | 32% |
Once the court determines the total obligation using the percentage, it divides that amount between the parents based on their income proportion. For example, if the combined income is $5,000 per month and there is one child, the total obligation is $850 (17% of $5,000). If one parent earns $3,000 and the other earns $2,000, the higher-earning parent pays roughly 60% of the $850, or $510 per month.
The parent with primary custody (the one the child lives with most of the time) typically receives the payment. The other parent makes the payment directly to the custodial parent or through the Indiana Child Support Bureau, which processes and tracks payments.
Adjustments the court can make to the standard amount
The percentage-based calculation is a starting point, not a ceiling. Indiana courts can order more or less than the standard amount if circumstances warrant it. Common reasons for adjustment include the amount of overnight custody time each parent has, childcare costs required for work, health insurance premiums paid for the child, unreimbursed medical or dental expenses, and the child's special needs or private school costs.
A parent with significant overnight custody — even if not equal — may owe less than the standard calculation suggests. The court also considers whether either parent receives other child support from a different relationship, which can reduce the amount owed in the current case.
If you believe the standard amount is unjust or inappropriate given your situation, you can request a deviation at the time of the order or petition to modify an existing order later. The court must state in writing why it is deviating from the guideline amount.
When child support ends in Indiana
Child support continues until the child turns 19 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. If the child is still in high school after turning 19, support continues through graduation. Support also ends if the child becomes emancipated (legally independent before age 19), joins the military, or marries.
The obligated parent does not automatically stop paying when the child reaches the age limit. The paying parent or the state child support agency must file a motion to terminate the order. If payments continue after the child is no longer may have access to to support, the obligated parent can seek reimbursement, though this requires court action.
How to find out what you would owe or receive
You can calculate an estimate using Indiana's child support guideline worksheet, which is available through the Indiana Child Support Bureau website. You will need both parents' gross monthly income and the number of children. The worksheet shows the standard obligation before any adjustments.
For an exact amount, you need a court order. If you are in a current case, the prosecuting attorney's office or a family law attorney can prepare a guideline calculation. If you are modifying an existing order, you can request a recalculation from the Child Support Bureau or file a petition with the court.
Indiana also offers free or low-cost legal help through the Indiana Legal Services and local bar associations if you cannot afford an attorney. The court itself can order a calculation as part of a divorce, paternity, or modification proceeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Indiana have a minimum child support amount?
Indiana has no statutory minimum, but courts rarely order less than $50 per month. If the combined parental income is very low, the court may order a nominal amount or defer collection until income increases. The guideline percentage still applies; it just results in a smaller dollar figure.
What happens if one parent is not working?
The court may impute income based on the parent's work history, education, and job market conditions. A parent cannot simply quit work to avoid support. However, if a parent is legitimately unable to work due to disability or caregiving responsibilities, the court may consider that in setting the amount.
Can child support be modified if income changes?
Yes. Either parent can petition to modify support if there has been a substantial and continuing change in circumstances — typically a 10% or greater change in either parent's income. You must file a motion with the court; the amount does not change automatically.
Does child support include college expenses?
Indiana child support ends when the child turns 19 or graduates high school. College costs are not included in the standard support obligation unless the parents agree otherwise or the court orders it as part of a divorce decree. Some divorce agreements do include college contribution provisions.
What if the paying parent lives out of state?
Indiana can enforce child support orders against parents in other states through the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA). The Indiana Child Support Bureau can locate the parent, establish paternity if needed, and enforce collection through wage garnishment or other means, even if the parent lives elsewhere.