Child Support in Wisconsin
State-specific overview · Family Law
Wisconsin uses an income-shares formula with statutory percentages and allows support to extend beyond age 18 for post-secondary education.
How Wisconsin treats Child Support
Wisconsin's child support guideline under Wis. Stat. § 49.19 applies a percentage of combined parental income, ranging from 17% for one child to 32% for five or more children. The obligation is allocated between parents based on their proportional income contribution and custody arrangement. Child support typically ends at age 18, but Wisconsin courts may order support to continue through age 19 if the child is still in high school or pursuing post-secondary education. The court may adjust support for substantial changes in income, shared placement, or other material changes in circumstances.
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 Wisconsin.