Wisconsin Child Support Laws: Guidelines and Calculations

How to Apply for Child Support in Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) provides child support services to all parents in the state. Parents receiving or paying support automatically receive Financial Management Services and Case Management Services.

State law requires all child support orders to include income withholding, whether you owe past-due support or not. Services provided include:

• Non-custodial parent location
• Paternity establishment
• Child support enforcement and termination
• Cash benefits programs (Tribal Temporary Assistance, Badger Benefits, SSI Caretaker Program)

To apply for services:

• Create a CSOS (Child Support Online Services) account
• Download the application form
• Apply in person at a local child support office

What to remember:

• Parents who have never received cash benefits from Kinship Care, SSI, Caretaker Supplement, or AFDC pay an annual $35 service fee
• Interest on missed or back child support is 0.5% per month (6% annually)
• The state may intercept stimulus payments and tax refunds if you owe back support
• Contact the State Equal Rights Opportunity officer at (800) 947-3529 with questions

How Is Paternity Established in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin recognizes three primary methods for establishing paternity:

• Voluntary Paternity Acknowledgment: Both parents sign the Voluntary Paternity Acknowledgment (VPA) form at the hospital, local register of deeds, or state vital records office
• Court Ruling: Either parent may petition the court to require genetic testing
• Acknowledgment of Marital Child (Legitimation): For children born within marriage

What to remember:

• Paternity establishment grants the father the right to submit a parenting plan and petition for custody
• The law will require the custodial parent to inform the father before placing the child for adoption
• If you are unsure of paternity, do not sign the VPA form
• The court may enter a paternity ruling even if the man is not present at the hearing
• The VPA form is legally equivalent to a court order, creating child support obligations
• If a DCF genetic test shows the accused man is the father, he may be required to pay for the test

How Is Child Support Determined in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin uses the Percentage of Income Standard under Administrative Code DCF 150. The amount depends primarily on:

• Where the child sleeps (overnight placement)
• Significant daytime visits
• Gross income of both parents
• Special needs of the children
• Custody arrangement

Wisconsin Child Support Percentages

Under DCF 150.03, the standard percentages applied to the paying parent's monthly income are:

Number of Children	Percentage of Income
1 child	17%
2 children	25%
3 children	29%
4 children	31%
5 or more children	34%

Special Calculation Guidelines

Wisconsin provides different calculation methods for various situations:

Shared Placement (25% or More Time Each)

When both parents have court-ordered placement of at least 25% (92 days per year):

• Each parent provides basic support in proportion to their time with the child
• Both parents' incomes are used in the calculation
• Variable costs are assigned in proportion to each parent's share of placement
• Download Shared Placement Worksheet

High-Income Payer (Over $84,000 Annual Income)

For paying parents with income exceeding $84,000 per year:

Monthly Income Level	1 Child	2 Children	3 Children	4 Children	5+ Children
First $7,000	17%	25%	29%	31%	34%
$7,000 to $12,500	14%	20%	23%	25%	27%
Above $12,500	10%	15%	17%	19%	20%

Download High-Income Payer Worksheet

Low-Income Payer (Under $1,485 Monthly Income)

For paying parents with income below $1,485 per month, the court may use low-income payer guidelines based on income between 75% and 150% of the federal poverty level.

Serial Family Cases

When a parent supports multiple families, the court may adjust income for later child support orders. Download Serial Family Worksheet

Split Placement

When each parent has primary placement of one or more (but not all) children, prorated percentages apply. Download Split Placement Worksheet

Grounds for Deviation

A judge may deviate from standard calculations when the amount would be unjust or would not serve the child's best interests. Factors include:

• Financial resources of both parents
• Household needs of each party
• Extraordinary expenses from custody arrangements (such as travel costs)
• The child's educational, physical, and emotional needs
• Tax considerations

Access all Wisconsin child support worksheets and calculators here.

How to Modify Child Support in Wisconsin

Wisconsin law requires the DCF or court to mail a notice reminding both parents of their right to request a support review every three years. A review may result in an increase, decrease, or no change.

To request modification, you must demonstrate:

• A substantial and ongoing change in financial circumstances
• Changed employment (job loss, reduced hours, increased income)
• Changes in custody arrangements
• Changes in the other parent's income

You may request a review before the three-year period if you experience a substantial change in circumstances.

How to request modification:

• If both parents agree, complete Form FA-604 (Stipulation and Order to Amend Judgment for Support)
• Report employment changes to the DCF within 10 days
• Call 1-877-253-3686 to report address changes
• Contact the DCF at 608-422-6250 to report income changes

What to remember:

• Only courts can change a court order
• The DCF does not charge review fees
• Reviews may take up to 180 days to complete
• Informal agreements are unenforceable; all agreements must be in writing and court-approved

What Happens If You Do Not Pay Child Support in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin law requires all orders to include income withholding. If you are employed, your employer will automatically garnish support from your paycheck. If income withholding fails, the following enforcement tools may be used:

• Administrative Liens: Liens may be placed on property (including land and vehicles) without a court hearing
• License Suspension: Driver's licenses, occupational licenses, and professional licenses may be suspended or revoked
• Asset Seizure: Bank accounts, savings, mutual funds, and IRAs may be seized if you owe more than $1,000
• Property Seizure: Real estate and vehicles may be seized
• Insurance Interception: Insurance settlements, claims, pension payments, and personal injury settlements may be intercepted
• Credit Bureau Reporting: Delinquent support is reported to credit bureaus

What to remember:

• A payment plan will not stop the DCF from placing your name on the lien docket
• Interest accrues at 0.5% per month (6% annually) on unpaid support

Contempt of Court vs. Criminal Non-Support

Contempt of Court: Willful failure to pay may result in contempt charges requiring you to explain your failure in court. Possible consequences include fines, community service, work-release programs, or jail time.

Criminal Non-Support: A Class A misdemeanor in Wisconsin punishable by:

• Up to 9 months in county jail
• Fines up to $10,000
• Or both

When Does Child Support End in Wisconsin?

Under Wisconsin law, the duty to support continues until the child:

• Turns 18 years old
• Turns 19, if still enrolled in high school or working toward a GED
• Gets married
• Becomes emancipated
• Joins the U.S. military
• Dies

Support may continue indefinitely if the child is severely mentally or physically disabled and unable to support themselves.

Emancipation in Wisconsin

Minors may request emancipation before turning 18 through an emancipation proceeding. Requirements include:

• Having a legal source of income
• Living separately from guardians
• Demonstrating ability to handle personal and financial affairs