Not Everyone is the Same

But for many years, Wisconsin's child support percentage standards treated everyone as though they were the same.  Recently, though, the Administrative Code was amended to create various methods for calculating child support.  See, DCF 150.04 Wis. Admin. Code.  The new categories include: (1) serial payers; (2) high income payers; and, (3) low income payers.

Serial Payer.   A "serial payer" is someone who is paying child support under a previous court order.    Under a fairly complex formula set forth by the law, a serial payer receives a reduction in the new support order based upon the support he or she is already paying.

High Income Payer:  A "high income" payer is someone who has a gross monthly income of $7000 or more.   Under this formula, the court applies a smaller percentage to the parent's income that is greater than $7000 but less than $12,500  (generally, 14% for one child, as opposed to 17% under the standard formula).  The percentages are further reduced for that portion of the income that is greater than $12,500 (10% for one child).

Low Income Payer: If the court determines that the totality of the economic circumstances limit his or her ability to pay support under the standard formulas.   Under this exception, the court will consider the payer's debts and other economic circumstances.

The law also provides complex formulas for calculating support in circumstances where there is a shared placement schedule.  Given the growing complexity of the law, if you fall into any of these special circumstances, you are well advised to contact an experienced family law attorney.