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The Oregon Child Support Calculator is a tool that uses a set of guidelines to determine the "presumptively correct" amount of child support a parent is to pay or receive. The calculator considers factors such as the gross income of both parents, the number of children involved, and the amount of parenting time each parent has. Although the amount given by the calculator is considered presumptively correct, the Court has the authority to adjust the final amount based on other factors. In Oregon, child support is mainly paid through payroll deduction, but other payment methods are available.
Use this article as general information to understand the issue, preserve useful records, and identify the next questions to ask an attorney about your own facts.
Published February 15, 2023
Child support in Oregon is simply money paid by one parent to another to support a child or children. The amount of support is determined by a calculator based on Oregon law. The Oregon Child Support Calculator is a tool used to calculate the " presumptively correct " amount of child support that a parent is to pay or receive. The calculator uses a set of guidelines established by the state and the legislature to determine the correct amount of child support under Oregon law. Absent deviations for other factors determined by the Court, the amount that the calculator provides given the correct inputs will likely be the amount ordered by the Court.
To use the [Oregon Child Support Calculator](https: //justice. oregon. gov/guidelines/), you must input certain information about both parents, including their income and parenting time. The calculator is available to the public online for free, and will use this information to determine the amount of child support payments one parent must make to another. Custody is not a factor in the calculator, so depending on the financial and parenting time inputs, a custodial parent could still end up paying support non-custodial parent. The Oregon Child Support Guidelines use a formula that considers the gross income of both parents, the number of children involved, and the amount of parenting time each parent has. Other factors used in the calculation include childcare, health insurance, union dues and non-joint children. The guidelines are designed to ensure that the child's needs are met while also considering the financial situation of both parents. The goal is to provide a fair and reasonable amount of child support based on the specific circumstances of each case.
Though the amount output by the formula is considered presumptively correct, the Oregon Child Support Calculator does not guarantee a specific amount of child support. The Court has authority to adjust the final amount of support based on stipulation of the parties or by numerous other factors that may be considered the Court. These " rebuttal factors " are provided in the Oregon administrative rules in the [Child Support Guideline Rules 137-050](https: //www (opens in a new tab). doj. state. or. us/child-support/calculators-laws/child-support-laws-and-rules/child-support-guideline-rules-137-050/). It's essential to consult with an attorney or other legal professional if you have questions or concerns about your child support case.
In Oregon, child support is predominantly through payroll deduction, with employers withholding the support amount from parents' paycheck and then forwarding it to the Oregon Child Support Program. Alternative payment methods include:
Payments on behalf of someone else require a child support case number and the name/address of the paying parent. Adults in custody who owe past-due child support can make payments through the Department of Justice and Department of Corrections interface, with 15% of eligible deposits being withheld for court-ordered financial obligations. This percentage is split into 5% deposited into a transitional savings account and 10% collected for court-ordered financial obligations, with priority given to restitution and civil judgments, then child support obligations. Once the savings account reaches $500, the entire 15% is collected for court-ordered financial obligations.
Family transitions can bring court deadlines, financial uncertainty, parenting questions, and strong emotions at the same time. The first job is to steady the situation, understand the facts, and identify the legal options that fit your family.
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