Child Support in Wyoming: How It's Calculated
Wyoming uses the Income Shares Model (§20-2-304) to determine child support obligations. This guide walks through how the formula works, what factors Wyoming courts consider, and how to modify or enforce an order — with links to official Wyoming resources.
Income Shares Model (§20-2-304) in Wyoming
Wyoming uses the Income Shares Model under Wyoming Statute §20-2-304. Both parents' net incomes are combined and applied to the Wyoming child support schedule to determine a basic obligation, which is then allocated proportionally.
Wyoming calculates support on net income (gross minus taxes and mandatory deductions). The guidelines provide for a parenting time adjustment when the non-primary parent has significant custody time. Wyoming courts have discretion to deviate from the guideline amount when applying it would be unjust or inequitable.
Key Factors Wyoming Courts Consider
- Both parents' net monthly income
- Number of children
- Parenting time exercised by the non-primary parent
- Child's health insurance costs
- Work-related childcare expenses
- Extraordinary expenses for the child
- Prior support obligations for other children
Official Wyoming Resources
Get an accurate number from an official source
Child support calculations are complex and fact-specific. For an accurate figure, use Wyoming'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 Wyoming's Formula Works
Here is how Wyoming applies the Income Shares Model (§20-2-304) to calculate a child support obligation, step by step:
1. Determine each parent's income
Wyoming 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 (§20-2-304).
2. Combine incomes and find the basic obligation
Both parents' incomes are combined and compared to Wyoming'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 exercised by the non-primary parent parenting time adjustment when the non-primary parent has significant custody time.
Modifying Child Support in Wyoming
In Washington, a parent can seek modification by showing a substantial change in circumstances since the last order — such as a significant income change, a change in the residential schedule, or a change in the child's needs. Washington also permits a review every 3 years as a matter of right. The modification is filed with the superior court that issued the original order. Support modifications are prospective only — any reduction applies from the date the modification request was filed and served.
How Wyoming Enforces Child Support Orders
Washington's Division of Child Support (DCS), part of the Department of Social and Health Services, enforces orders through income withholding, tax refund interception, license suspension (driver's, professional, and recreational), credit bureau reporting, property liens, and contempt of court. Washington also uses the Washington State Support Registry (WSSR) to process and track payments.
Document Everything for Your Wyoming Case
Wyoming 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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