Child Support in Indiana
State-specific overview · Family Law
Indiana uses income shares model and requires both parents to share child support obligations proportionally based on their incomes.
How Indiana treats Child Support
Indiana applies the income shares model, where each parent's proportional share of combined gross income determines their child support obligation. The state uses statutory guidelines that apply to combined parental income up to a specified threshold, with courts able to deviate for incomes above that level. Child support continues until the child turns 18, or age 19 if the child is still in high school. Indiana courts must consider the guidelines as presumptively correct and provide written reasons for any deviation.
The general definition of Child Support
Court-ordered payments from one parent to the other for a child's living expenses.
Child support is money that a court requires one parent to pay to the other parent (or guardian) to help cover the child's expenses like food, housing, education, and healthcare. The amount is usually calculated using state guidelines that consider both parents' incomes, the number of children, and custody arrangements. Child support continues until the child reaches the age of majority, typically 18 or 21 depending on the state. It's a legal obligation separate from custody decisions.
Read the full Child Support entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Indiana.