When you’re dealing with child support in Vermont, things can get confusing real quick in Vermont child support calculator, I get it—there’s a calculator online, there are court guidelines, there’s income and parenting time, and somehow it all becomes overwhelming. So let’s sit down and go through it, one question at a time. I’ve gathered 20 of the most frequently asked questions people in Vermont have about the child support calculator, and I’m going to explain each one in simple, human language—just like you and I are having a cup of coffee and sorting it out together.

Vermont Child Support Calculator – 20 FAQs Answered in 2025 (Everything You Need to Know!)

1. What is the Vermont Child Support Calculator?

The Vermont Child Support Calculator is an online tool that helps you estimate how much child support one parent may owe the other. It uses information like both parents’ income, number of children, health insurance, and how much time each parent spends with the kids.

2. Is the Vermont child support calculator accurate?

It’s accurate enough to give you a rough idea. However, it doesn’t replace a court order. The calculator uses the Vermont Child Support Guidelines, which are based on income shares—meaning both parents contribute based on their earnings.

If you want a precise number that a judge would agree with, you need to consult with an attorney or go through the court process.

3. How do I use the Vermont child support calculator?

It’s actually simple. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Both parents’ gross monthly income
• Number of children
• Health insurance costs for the child
• Daycare or childcare expenses
• Number of overnights each parent has (this affects shared custody)

Then just enter these details in the online form, and it’ll generate a monthly support estimate.

4. Where can I find the official Vermont child support calculator?

You can find it on the Vermont Office of Child Support website. Just Google “Vermont child support calculator site:vermont.gov” and you’ll see the official link at the top.

Always use the official version to ensure you’re using the most up-to-date tool.

5. What income is considered in Vermont child support calculations?

In Vermont, “gross income” is what matters. That includes:

• Wages and salaries
• Bonuses
• Commissions
• Self-employment income
• Rental income
• Unemployment benefits
• Social Security (in some cases)

What’s not counted: public assistance like welfare or food stamps.

6. Does overtime or bonuses count as income?

Yes, they do. Vermont courts typically consider any consistent source of income, including:

• Overtime if it’s regularly worked
• Yearly bonuses
• Commissions

If your bonus is a one-time thing, you might be able to argue against including it. But generally, yes—they want the full picture of your earning ability.

7. Can child support be modified in Vermont?

Yes! Life changes—jobs, income, new kids, health issues. If something major changes, you can file a motion to modify child support.

You’ll usually need to show:

• A 10% change in income
• Or a significant change in parenting time

You can re-calculate using the same calculator with updated numbers to see the new amount.

8. How does shared custody affect the calculator?

This is a big one. In Vermont, parenting time—measured by overnights—affects the calculation.

If each parent has the child at least 25% of the time (about 92 overnights/year), the calculator uses a shared custody formula. This typically reduces the child support owed by the higher-earning parent.

9. What if one parent refuses to work?

If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, the court can impute income. That means the judge pretends the parent is earning what they should be earning based on their education, experience, and job market.

So “quitting to avoid paying” doesn’t fly in Vermont courts.

10. Is daycare or childcare included in the Vermont calculator?

Yes, absolutely. The cost of reasonable childcare—when parents are working or going to school—is shared between both parents. You just need to enter that cost into the calculator.

It’s considered a necessary expense, not optional.

11. What about health insurance and medical costs?

The parent providing health insurance for the child enters the monthly premium amount in the calculator. Uninsured medical expenses are usually split according to each parent’s income percentage unless otherwise agreed.

Pro tip: Always keep receipts for co-pays and prescriptions.

12. Can parents agree on a different amount than the calculator says?

Yes, but with limits. Parents can agree to a higher or lower amount than what the calculator suggests, but the court must approve it.

The judge will check if it’s fair and still in the best interests of the child. If not, the court can deny your agreement and stick to guideline numbers.

13. Do Vermont courts always follow the calculator results?

Most of the time, yes. The calculator is based on state-mandated guidelines, and courts usually follow those unless there’s a really good reason not to.

But judges can deviate in special circumstances—like a child with special needs or a parent with high debt due to disability.

14. How long do child support payments last in Vermont?

Usually until the child turns 18, or 19 if they’re still in high school. After that, child support ends automatically unless there’s a court order saying otherwise.

No, Vermont does not automatically require parents to pay for college—unless they voluntarily agree to it in writing.

15. What if a parent lives in another state?

No problem. The Vermont child support order can still be enforced nationwide under federal law.

And if you’re calculating support, you’ll still use Vermont’s calculator if that’s where the order will be issued.

16. What if one parent hides income?

Sadly, this happens. But Vermont courts are aware. If you suspect hidden income—like cash jobs or hidden assets—you can:

• Request financial disclosures
• Subpoena tax returns or bank records
• Hire a forensic accountant (in big cases)

Courts don’t play games with hidden income—they’ll adjust the numbers based on earning potential if necessary.

17. Is self-employment income treated differently?

It’s not treated differently, but it can get complicated. Self-employed parents must report:

• Gross receipts
• Business expenses
• Net income

The court might scrutinize expenses to ensure they’re legitimate and not just a way to lower support.

18. Can support be ordered if we were never married?

Yes, and this is a big myth. Marital status doesn’t matter in child support cases. If you’re the legal parent, you’re responsible.

The court will require paternity proof (if needed), then calculate child support just like for divorced or separated parents.

19. Is there a minimum amount of child support in Vermont?

Yes, even low-income parents must pay something—unless they qualify for very limited exceptions. There’s usually a minimum order, even if it’s $50/month, unless the paying parent has no income and no ability to earn.

Courts aim to balance fairness with responsibility.

20. Can I calculate child support without a lawyer?

Absolutely! The Vermont child support calculator is free and public. You don’t need a lawyer to use it. However, if your case is complicated (self-employment, shared custody, disputes), it’s smart to talk to a legal expert.

Still, doing the math ahead of time helps you prepare—and shows you’re informed and responsible.

Final Thoughts: Use the Calculator, But Don’t Rely on It Blindly

Look, the Vermont child support calculator is a fantastic tool. It gives you a clear picture of what’s expected, how it’s calculated, and what both parents are responsible for. But remember—it’s not the final word. The judge still has the last say. Use the calculator as a guide, not gospel.

And whether you’re a single parent trying to budget or a co-parent navigating new territory, knowing how this works gives you power. And that’s what you want—clarity, confidence, and control.