How Rhode Island Calculates Child Support

Rhode Island uses the Income Shares Model to determine child support obligations. The guidelines are established under R.I. Family Court Admin. Order 2018-04.

Key Facts About Rhode Island Child Support

• Rhode Island uses the Income Shares model under R.I. Family Court Administrative Order 2018-04, combining both parents' adjusted gross incomes to determine the basic child support obligation.
• The basic obligation is determined from the Rhode Island Child Support Guidelines schedule based on combined adjusted gross income and number of children, then divided proportionally between parents.
• A parenting time adjustment applies when the obligor has 128 or more overnights per year (approximately 35% of the time), reducing the obligation to reflect the direct costs incurred during extended parenting time.
• Health insurance premiums for the children and work-related childcare costs are added to the basic obligation and divided proportionally between parents.
• Rhode Island considers additional factors including extraordinary educational expenses, special needs of the child, and the financial resources of each parent when determining whether deviation from the guidelines is appropriate.
• Courts may deviate from the guidelines upon written findings that strict application would be inequitable or unjust, considering the best interests of the child and the totality of the circumstances.

Disclaimer

This calculator provides estimates only and is not a substitute for legal advice. The actual amount ordered by a Rhode Island court may differ based on factors including but not limited to: special needs of the child, travel expenses for visitation, extraordinary educational expenses, and the court's discretion to deviate from the guidelines.