How Vermont Calculates Child Support
Vermont 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 available income (gross minus taxes, FICA, and certain deductions) and number of children per 15 V.S.A. § 656; each parent's obligation prorated by income share; adjusted for shared physical custody and add-ons (childcare, health insurance, extraordinary expenses).
Income Basis & Definitions
net (available income)
Selects the base-support amount from the Vermont guidelines schedule.
Source: 15 V.S.A. § 656: Guidelines scheduleParent A available income (gross minus specified deductions).
Source: 15 V.S.A. § 653: Available income definitionParenting Time Handling
Calculator applies shared physical responsibility adjustment.
Source: 15 V.S.A. § 657: Shared/split physical responsibilityNumber of overnights or percentage of time with each parent.
Source: Parenting time inputDeductions & Adjustments
Preexisting support obligations for other children.
Source: Other children adjustmentSpousal support paid deducted from available income.
Source: Spousal support deductionAdd-Ons & Allocation
Health insurance and extraordinary medical expense allocation.
Source: Medical supportCaps, Minimums & Deviations
Schedule caps at combined available income; above-cap at court discretion.
Source: Maximum schedule incomeDeviation allowed per 15 V.S.A. § 659; requires specific findings.
Source: 15 V.S.A. § 659: Deviation criteria