How it works · official guideline
How child support is calculated in Rhode Island
Rhode Island courts set child support using a formula and guidelines adopted by administrative order of the Family Court. If the guideline amount would be inequitable to the child or a parent, the court makes findings and may order a different amount after considering listed factors such as the child’s and parents' financial resources and the standard of living the child would have had.[1]
Rhode Island’s model
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No official calculator confirmed yet
Read the guideline: R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-5-16.2(a)The state child support agency or your court clerk can run the official numbers.
Why no calculator here? We publish a calculator only after it reproduces the state’s official numbers exactly. We haven’t matched Rhode Island’s yet.
From the official text
The rules behind Rhode Island’s numbers
The guideline is R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-5-16.2(a). Open each rule to read the exact words.
- Departing from the guideline
Deviation if the guideline amount would be inequitable, with findings of fact
If the guideline amount would be inequitable to the child or either parent, the court must make findings and order a reasonable amount after considering factors including the child’s and each parent’s resources and the child’s pre-divorce standard of living.[1]
Official text · R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-5-16.2(a)
“If, after calculating support based upon court established formula and guidelines, the court, in its discretion, finds the order would be inequitable to the child or either parent, the court shall make findings of fact”
Guideline: R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-5-16.2(a) (Rhode Island General Assembly), checked October 26, 2026.
Estimate and general information only — not legal advice. MediationList is a directory, not a law firm, and doesn’t endorse any mediator. Guidelines change; confirm with the state child support agency or your court (sources checked October 26, 2026). See also divorce laws in Rhode Island and child support in every state.
Sources
Rhode Island’s child support guideline, rules and official tools, read on the official sites, with the date we checked each.