Vermont Child Support Calculator

Vermont uses the income shares model. Vermont uses the Income Shares Model under 15 V.S.A. § 656 et seq. Child support is based on the combined income of both parents and the number of children. The guidelines provide a calculation table that was last updated January 2, 2024. Each parent's share is proportional to their percentage of combined available income. Adjustments are made for health insurance, child care costs, and extraordinary expenses.

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 Vermont 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 Vermont 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.

Vermont 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.