How Rhode Island Calculates Child Support
Rhode Island uses the Income Shares model to determine child support obligations. This page explains the guidelines, formula, and key factors.
Model Type
Income Shares
Income-shares model based on combined gross income and number of children per Rhode Island Family Court Administrative Order; each parent's obligation prorated by income share; adjusted for parenting time and add-ons (childcare, health insurance).
Income Basis & Definitions
Income Basis:
gross
Number Of Children On Order
Selects the base-support amount from the guidelines schedule.
Source: Schedule of basic support obligationsParenting Time Handling
Custody Type Or Worksheet Selection
Calculator selects custody arrangement.
Source: Custody arrangementDeductions & Adjustments
Other Child Support Or Dependents Adjustment
Preexisting support obligations for other children.
Source: Other support adjustmentAdd-Ons & Allocation
Child Health Insurance And Uninsured Medical
Health insurance premium and uninsured medical allocation.
Source: Medical supportCaps, Minimums & Deviations
Income Cap And Above Cap Handling
Schedule caps at combined income; above-cap at discretion.
Source: Maximum schedule incomeDeviation Factors And Findings
Deviation allowed; requires specific findings.
Source: Deviation criteria