How it works · official guideline
How child support is calculated in Vermont
Vermont’s guideline, adopted by rule under 15 V.S.A. § 654, sets a total support amount from the parents' combined available income (gross income minus taxes, FICA and certain other items), which is divided between the parents in proportion to their incomes. Shared custody rules apply when each parent has the child at least 25% or 30% of the year, and a self-support reserve protects low-income payers.[1]
Key facts: child support in Vermont
| Guideline model | Income shares[1] |
|---|---|
| Income counted | Available income: gross income less taxes, FICA and listed items[2] |
| Shared parenting time | Each parent 30%+ of the year: total obligation increased by 50%, prorated and offset[3] |
| Shared parenting time | 25% to under 30% of the year: shared costs table[3] |
| Official calculator | OCS Child Support Calculator |
| Guideline last checked | October 26, 2026 |
Vermont’s model
Income shares
Combined available income of both parents, then guideline amount set by rule, split by income share.
Official calculator · Vermont Department for Children and Families, Office of Child Support
OCS Child Support CalculatorLink checked October 26, 2026
Why no calculator here? We publish a calculator only after it reproduces the state’s official numbers exactly. We haven’t matched Vermont’s yet, so use the official calculator for a number.
From the official text
The rules behind Vermont’s numbers
The guideline is 15 V.S.A. § 654. Open each rule to read the exact words.
- Income counted
Available income: gross income less taxes, FICA and listed items
The guideline uses each parent’s available income, which is gross income minus items such as spousal or prior child support actually paid, the child’s health insurance cost, FICA and computed state and federal income taxes.[2]
Official text · 15 V.S.A. § 653(1)
““Available income” means gross income, less:”
- Shared parenting time
Each parent 30%+ of the year: total obligation increased by 50%, prorated and offset
When each parent has physical custody at least 30% of a calendar year, the total obligation is increased by 50%, split by income and time, and offset so the parent owing more pays the difference.[3]
Official text · 15 V.S.A. § 657(a)
“When each parent exercises physical custody for 30 percent or more of a calendar year, the total child support obligation shall be increased by 50 percent to reflect the additional costs of maintaining two households.”
- Shared parenting time
25% to under 30% of the year: shared costs table
When one parent has physical custody for 25% or more but under 30% of the year, each parent’s share comes from a shared costs table adopted by rule, and shared-custody support can never exceed the regular guideline amount.[3]
Official text · 15 V.S.A. § 657(b)–(c)
“In no event shall a parent be required to pay child support under subsection (a) or (b) of this section in an amount greater than the amount that would have been ordered under the support guidelines.”
- Low income
Self-support reserve: payer keeps the reserve; below it, a nominal amount
If paying the guideline amount would push the noncustodial parent below the self-support reserve, the presumed share is the parent’s income above the reserve; below the reserve, the court sets a nominal amount using the statutory factors.[4]
Official text · 15 V.S.A. § 656(b)–(c)
“the noncustodial parent’s share of the total support obligation shall be presumed to be the difference between the self-support reserve and his or her available income.”
- Top of the guidelines
Court discretion above the guideline’s top income level
If combined available income is above the top of the guideline table, the court uses its discretion.[4]
Official text · 15 V.S.A. § 656(d)
“The court may use its discretion in determining child support in circumstances where combined available income exceeds the uppermost levels of the support guideline adopted under section 654 of this title.”
- Review cycle
Guideline amended at least every four years
The Secretary of Human Services must update the guideline at least once every four years.[1]
Official text · 15 V.S.A. § 654
“The Secretary may amend the guideline from time to time as may be necessary, but not less than once every four years.”
Guideline: 15 V.S.A. § 654 (Vermont 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 official calculator (sources checked October 26, 2026). See also divorce laws in Vermont and child support in every state.
Sources
Vermont’s child support guideline, rules and official tools, read on the official sites, with the date we checked each.