Child Support in North Dakota: How It's Calculated
North Dakota uses the Income Shares Model to determine child support obligations. This guide walks through how the formula works, what factors North Dakota courts consider, and how to modify or enforce an order — with links to official North Dakota resources.
Income Shares Model in North Dakota
North Dakota uses the Income Shares Model under its Child Support Guidelines (NDCC §14-09-09.7). Both parents' net incomes are combined and applied to the state's schedule to determine a basic obligation, which is then divided proportionally.
North Dakota provides a parenting time credit for significant parenting time — when the non-primary parent has the child for more than the standard schedule. North Dakota calculates support on net income (after taxes and mandatory deductions). The guidelines also include provisions for shared residential responsibility arrangements.
Key Factors North Dakota Courts Consider
- Both parents' net monthly income
- Number of children
- Parenting time — significant time above the standard schedule reduces support
- Child's health insurance premium
- Work-related childcare costs
- Extraordinary expenses
- Existing support obligations for other children
Official North Dakota Resources
Get an accurate number from an official source
Child support calculations are complex and fact-specific. For an accurate figure, use North Dakota's official worksheet or consult a licensed family law attorney. This guide explains the framework — it does not produce a binding calculation.
Step-by-Step: How North Dakota's Formula Works
Here is how North Dakota applies the Income Shares Model to calculate a child support obligation, step by step:
1. Determine each parent's income
North Dakota starts by calculating each parent's income — net income (after taxes and mandatory deductions). The specific definition of income is set by Income Shares Model.
2. Combine incomes and find the basic obligation
Both parents' incomes are combined and compared to North Dakota's child support schedule. The schedule produces a basic child support obligation based on combined income and the number of children.
3. Add health insurance and childcare costs
Health insurance premiums paid for the child and work-related childcare expenses are added to the basic obligation before it is divided between parents.
4. Divide proportionally based on income share
The total obligation is allocated between the parents in proportion to each parent's share of combined income. The parent with the higher income share bears a larger portion of the obligation.
5. Apply parenting time credits
Parenting time — significant time above the standard schedule reduces support parenting time credit for significant parenting time — when the non-primary parent has the child for more than the standard schedule.
Document Everything for Your North Dakota Case
North Dakota courts rely on documented records — parenting time logs, expense receipts, and payment histories. ReplyCalmly helps you track all of it and generate organized, exportable reports.
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