North Dakota Family Law Child Support Calculator
North Dakota Family Law Child Support Calculator

Estimate Your North Dakota Child Support in Minutes

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North Dakota Family Code in under a minute.

           

        North Dakota Child Support Calculator     

     

        Estimate for informational purposes only. North Dakota uses a guideline schedule         applied to monthly net income, with special methods for equal-time and extended parenting time.      

     
       
     
     
               
           

              Step 1 – Parent & Custody            

           
             
                                                                       
             
                               
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                  Estimate the percentage of time the child spends in your care over a full year.                

                                       
             
                                                                       
           
           
                         
         
                                     
     

        Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.         Results may differ based on judicial findings and individual circumstances.      

   

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Frequently Asked Questions
Child Support in North Dakota

Discover what you need to know about Child Support Laws in North Dakota.

How Does North Dakota Calculate Child Support?

How Does North Dakota Calculate Child Support?

North Dakota calculates child support under the North Dakota Child Support Guidelines, which are established by state administrative rules.

North Dakota primarily uses an income-based formula, where support is determined based on the obligor parent’s net income and the number of children.

The calculation generally considers:

  • The obligor’s net monthly income

  • The number of children

  • A statewide child support guideline schedule

  • Health insurance premiums for the child

  • Work-related childcare expenses

  • Extended parenting time adjustments

  • Other court-approved deviations

North Dakota uses standardized worksheets to determine the presumptive support amount.

For an estimate tailored to your situation, you can use the Deliberately.ai child support calculator above—but only a court order is legally binding.

What Factors Affect Child Support Amounts in North Dakota?

What Factors Affect Child Support Amounts in North Dakota?

Child support in North Dakota is commonly influenced by:

  • The obligor parent’s net income

  • The number of children

  • Extended parenting time adjustments

  • Health insurance costs for the child

  • Work-related childcare expenses

  • Other support obligations

  • Court-approved deviations when strict guideline application would be inappropriate

Cases involving self-employment, fluctuating income, or complex custody schedules may require detailed financial documentation.

How Much Child Support Will I Pay or Receive in North Dakota?

How Much Child Support Will I Pay or Receive in North Dakota?

There is no universal amount.

The final figure depends on:

For a reliable estimate before filing or negotiating, use the Deliberately.ai Child Support Calculator above—keeping in mind the court has final authority.

When Does Child Support End in North Dakota?

When Does Child Support End in North Dakota?

In North Dakota, child support generally ends when the child:

  • Turns 18, or

  • Graduates from high school

Support may continue until graduation if the child is still enrolled in high school after turning 18.

Always review your specific court order for termination terms.

What Documents Are Needed to File or Modify Child Support in North Dakota?

What Documents Are Needed to File or Modify Child Support in North Dakota?

You will typically need:

  • Recent pay stubs

  • Federal and state tax returns

  • Proof of health insurance costs

  • Childcare documentation

  • Existing court orders

Incomplete financial documentation can delay proceedings.

Does Child Support Automatically Stop at Age 18 in North Dakota?

Does Child Support Automatically Stop at Age 18 in North Dakota?

Not necessarily.

Wage withholding may continue unless formally terminated.

Any arrears remain owed even after the current obligation ends.

It is important to confirm termination procedures through the court or child support enforcement agency.

Can a Child Support Order Be Modified in North Dakota?

Can a Child Support Order Be Modified in North Dakota?

Yes.

A child support order may be modified when there is a material change in circumstances, such as:

  • Significant income changes

  • Job loss or promotion

  • Changes in parenting time

  • Changes in the child’s needs

North Dakota also allows review and modification under certain time-based review rules.

Modifications generally apply prospectively (from the filing date), not retroactively to already-owed support.

How Long Does a Child Support Modification Take in North Dakota?

How Long Does a Child Support Modification Take in North Dakota?

Timeframes depend on:

  • Whether the case is contested

  • Court scheduling

  • Whether income documentation is disputed

Uncontested matters may resolve more quickly than contested cases.

What Does Child Support Cover in North Dakota?

What Does Child Support Cover in North Dakota?

North Dakota child support is intended to cover:

  • Housing

  • Food

  • Clothing

  • Transportation

  • Basic living expenses

  • Routine child-related costs

Certain expenses, such as unreimbursed medical costs or extracurricular activities, may be allocated separately in the court order.

What Does Child Support Cover in North Dakota?

What Does Child Support Cover in North Dakota?

North Dakota child support is intended to cover:

  • Housing

  • Food

  • Clothing

  • Transportation

  • Basic living expenses

  • Routine child-related costs

Certain expenses, such as unreimbursed medical costs or extracurricular activities, may be allocated separately in the court order.

Does Paying Health Insurance or Medical Expenses Reduce Child Support in North Dakota?

Does Paying Health Insurance or Medical Expenses Reduce Child Support in North Dakota?

It can—but only if:

  • The cost is included in the guideline calculation, and

  • The court order reflects the adjustment.

Paying expenses outside the court order does not automatically reduce your obligation.

How Is Income Defined for Child Support in North Dakota?

How Is Income Defined for Child Support in North Dakota?

North Dakota primarily uses net income for calculation purposes.

Income may include:

  • Wages and salary

  • Bonuses and commissions

  • Overtime (when consistent)

  • Self-employment income

  • Investment or rental income

  • Other recurring income

If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, the court may impute income based on earning capacity.

What Happens If Child Support Is Not Paid in North Dakota?

What Happens If Child Support Is Not Paid in North Dakota?

Nonpayment may result in enforcement actions such as:

  • Wage garnishment

  • Tax refund intercept

  • Liens

  • License suspension

  • Passport denial

  • Contempt proceedings

Arrears continue to accumulate until paid in full.

How Is Back Child Support Handled in North Dakota?

How Is Back Child Support Handled in North Dakota?

Arrears generally:

  • Remain owed until paid

  • May be collected through enforcement tools

  • Do not disappear when the child reaches the age of termination

Can Child Support Be Taken from Wages or Bank Accounts in North Dakota?

Can Child Support Be Taken from Wages or Bank Accounts in North Dakota?

Yes.

Income withholding is common, and North Dakota Child Support Enforcement may use additional collection tools when necessary.

Does Shared or Joint Custody Lower Child Support in North Dakota?

Does Shared or Joint Custody Lower Child Support in North Dakota?

Not automatically.

North Dakota guidelines include extended parenting time adjustments, but support may still be owed depending on income differences.

Can Child Support Continue Past Age 18 for Disability in North Dakota?

Can Child Support Continue Past Age 18 for Disability in North Dakota?

Yes.

Support may continue beyond age 18 if:

  • The child has a disability, or

  • The court determines continuation is appropriate

These situations require court approval and can be legally complex.

Can Parents Agree to Waive or Cancel Child Support in North Dakota?

Can Parents Agree to Waive or Cancel Child Support in North Dakota?

Parents generally cannot privately override a court order.

Any change must be approved by the court to be legally enforceable.

Do I Need a Lawyer to Calculate or Modify Child Support in North Dakota?

Do I Need a Lawyer to Calculate or Modify Child Support in North Dakota?

A lawyer is not required for straightforward cases, but it is strongly recommended when:

  • Income is disputed

  • Self-employment is involved

  • Arrears exist

  • A deviation is requested

  • Custody or parenting time is contested

How Do I File for Child Support in North Dakota?

How Do I File for Child Support in North Dakota?

Child support cases are handled through North Dakota district courts and enforced through North Dakota Child Support Enforcement.

If income or parenting time issues are likely to be contested, consulting a North Dakota family law attorney before filing can help avoid delays and mistakes.

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How Long Does a Child Support Modification Take in Louisiana?

Michigan calculates child support using the Michigan Child Support Formula (MCSF), which Michigan courts are required to use when setting or changing child support.



Michigan’s approach is based on an income-shares model, meaning the formula estimates what parents would have contributed toward the child if they lived together, then allocates responsibility between parents.



The calculation is based on:



Both parents’ incomes (used to determine each parent’s support share)



Number of children



A statewide support schedule/formula inputs (per MCSF)



Parenting time / overnights (Michigan applies a parental time offset when overnights can be determined)



Medical support (health insurance and ordinary medical considerations)



Work-related childcare expenses



Other adjustments and court-approved deviations under the MCSF



For an estimate tailored to your situation, you can use the Deliberately.ai child support calculator above—but only a court order is legally binding.