Montana Child Support Calculator

Montana uses the income shares model. Montana uses a variant of the income shares model (sometimes referred to as the Melson Formula approach) under ARM 37.62.101 et seq. Both parents' incomes are considered, along with parenting time and the number of children. The guidelines incorporate a self-support reserve for each parent and provide adjustments for long-distance parenting, health insurance, and childcare costs.

Gross income from all sources is typically used, including wages, salary, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, rental income, investment income, Social Security benefits, unemployment benefits, and disability benefits. Courts may also impute income if a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.

Child support in Montana generally continues until the child turns 18, or through high school graduation if the child is still in school. Some orders extend to age 19 or 21 depending on the state and circumstances (college support, special needs).

Yes, child support orders in Montana can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances. Common reasons include significant income changes (job loss, promotion), changes in custody arrangement, changes in the child's needs, or changes in healthcare costs.

Montana has enforcement mechanisms including wage garnishment, tax refund interception, license suspension (driver's and professional), bank account levies, contempt of court charges, and reporting to credit bureaus. Failure to pay can result in fines and jail time.