Child Support Estimate
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Parenting Time

How parenting time affects child support

Slide to see how different custody arrangements change the estimated payment.

Estimated monthly support at 20%

$850

Parent A would pay Parent B.

Parenting timeEst. monthly support
0% (no visits)$850
20% (every other weekend)$850
30% (extended)$708
40% (near-equal)$567
50% (equal/50-50)$255

What counts as parenting time

Most states measure parenting time in overnights per year. A typical "every other weekend" schedule equals roughly 14–20% of overnights. An extended schedule with one weekday dinner and overnight may approach 25–30%. A 2-2-3 or week-on/week-off schedule is 50%.

The breakeven point

As parenting time approaches 50%, the parenting-time credit grows. In income shares states, the higher-earning parent typically still pays some support to the lower-earning parent even at 50/50, but the amount is much smaller than at 0% custody.

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Frequently asked questions

How is parenting time measured?+

Most states count overnights per year. 365 overnights split between parents — for example, every-other-weekend equals roughly 52–73 overnights, or 14–20%.

At what percentage does the parenting time credit start?+

It varies by state. Many income-shares states begin a credit at 20% or 25% overnights; some require 35–40% before any meaningful reduction kicks in.

Does 50/50 custody mean no child support?+

Usually no. Even with equal parenting time, the higher-earning parent generally still owes some support to maintain similar living standards in both homes.

Do summers and holidays count?+

Yes. The total annual overnights — including summer breaks, holidays, and school vacations — are what count, not just the weekly schedule.

Can we agree on a different parenting time number?+

The court relies on the actual ordered schedule. Informal arrangements that differ from the order will not change the calculation unless the order itself is modified.

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