States With The Best Child Support Laws

Complete Guide to Child Support Laws by State: What Single Moms Need to Know in 2025

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Help Today

Emergency Child Support Resources:

• National Child Support Hotline: 1-866-540-0008 (available 24/7)
• Office of Child Support Services: www.acf.hhs.gov/css
• Find Your Local Office: www.acf.hhs.gov/css/resource/state-and-tribal-child-support-agency-contacts
• Legal Aid: www.lsc.gov/find-legal-aid

Can’t wait? Apply online for child support services in most states through your state’s child support agency website.

Main Points

• Child support calculation methods vary dramatically between states – payment amounts can differ by 300% for identical situations
• Enforcement strength matters more than payment amounts – states with strong collection systems get better results for families
• New 2025 federal laws improve enforcement including stricter income verification and faster modification processes
• Most collection problems happen with low-income non-custodial parents who often face systemic barriers to payment
• Interstate cases require special procedures but federal law ensures orders are enforceable across state lines

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Understanding Child Support Laws by State: The Real Picture

Child support laws in America create a patchwork system where your zip code determines how much support you might receive and how likely you are to actually get it. While federal law requires all states to have child support systems, each state sets its own calculation methods and enforcement procedures.

The result? A parent can pay three times as much as one who lives in a state just six hours away, despite their circumstances being otherwise equal. When a Virginia parent would pay $400 a month in child support, a Massachusetts parent in the same situation would pay nearly $1,200, per state guidelines.

Reality Check: Payment vs. Collection

Here’s what many websites won’t tell you: higher payment amounts don’t always mean you’ll receive more money. What matters most is your state’s enforcement system and collection rates.

State child support programs served 12.8 million children in fiscal year 2022—equal to roughly 1 in 5 children in the United States, but collection rates vary significantly. States with strong enforcement mechanisms often deliver better results than those with higher payment formulas but weak collection systems.

How States Calculate Child Support: Three Main Methods

All states use one of three calculation models, required by federal law to be reviewed every four years:

Income Shares Model (Used by 40+ States)

This method combines both parents’ incomes and assumes children should receive the same proportion of family income they would have received if parents lived together.

How it works:

1. Calculate both parents’ combined income
2. Determine what a typical intact family spends on children at that income level
3. Split this amount between parents based on their income percentages
4. The non-custodial parent pays their share to the custodial parent

States using this method: Most states including California, Florida, New York, and Texas.

Percentage of Income Model (Used by 10+ States)

This simpler method takes a flat percentage of only the non-custodial parent’s income.

Typical percentages:

• 1 child: 17-20% of net income
• 2 children: 25-27%
• 3 children: 30-33%
• 4+ children: 35-40%

States using this method: Illinois, Wisconsin, and several others.

Melson Formula (Used by 3 States)

A complex version of the Income Shares model that ensures both parents’ basic living expenses are covered before calculating support.

States using this method: Delaware, Hawaii, and Montana.

Payment Amounts by State: 2025 Data

Based on the most recent data available, here’s how states compare for a hypothetical family with two children (ages 7 and 10), where the mother has 65% parenting time, earns $45,000 annually, and the father earns $55,000:

Highest Payment States

Moderate Payment States

Lower Payment States

Warning: These are guideline amounts only. Actual payments depend on many factors including specific incomes, parenting time, health insurance costs, and other expenses.

Enforcement That Actually Works: State Performance Data

Payment calculations mean nothing if you can’t collect the money. Here’s what you need to know about enforcement effectiveness:

Top Performing Enforcement States

Based on collection rates and enforcement tools:

States with Collection Challenges

Source: Data compiled from state child support agencies and federal Office of Child Support Services reports, 2024.

New Federal Laws for 2025: What’s Changed

The Supporting America’s Children and Families Act (H.R.9076) brings significant improvements to child support enforcement:

Stronger Income Verification

• Gig economy and freelance income now tracked automatically
• Cryptocurrency and digital payments included in income calculations
• Cross-state employer reporting improved

Faster Modifications

• Instead of waiting 2–3 years, parents can now request modifications after as little as 6 months (depending on the state)
• Online modification requests available in most states
• Emergency modification procedures for job loss or major income changes

Enhanced Enforcement Tools

• Improved passport denial procedures for international travel
• Expanded professional license suspension authority
• Better coordination between state agencies

Support for Incarcerated Parents

• If a parent becomes incarcerated, their child support payments will now be paused rather than accruing
• Debt forgiveness programs for unpayable arrears
• Re-entry support services

Prenatal Support

• Pregnant moms can now get support sooner, including prenatal vitamins and doctor visits in states adopting the Unborn Child Support Act

The Hard Truth About Collection Problems

Who Owes Unpaid Child Support

Despite record child support collections by state child support programs, considerable sums of child support go unpaid every year. These past due payments of child support, referred to as child support arrears, accumulate each year and have reached unprecedented levels in recent years.

Key facts about arrears:

• In September 2006, the federal Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) reported that the total amount of child support arrears that had accumulated nationwide since the program began in 1975 had reached $105.4 billion
• Most unpaid support is owed by parents with little to no reported income
• 93 percent of obligors with reported incomes over $10,000 a year paid child support in the past year, but only 57 percent of obligors with no or low reported income paid child support in the past year

Why Collection Rates Vary

High-performing states typically have:

• Automated wage garnishment systems
• Strong employer compliance programs
• Effective unemployment insurance coordination
• Comprehensive asset location services
• Active employment assistance programs

Low-performing states often struggle with:

• Limited staffing and resources
• Outdated computer systems
• Weak interstate coordination
• Limited enforcement tools
• Geographic or economic challenges

State-by-State Breakdown: Key Details

California

• Calculation Method: Income Shares Model
• Income Cap: $15,000+ monthly (can go higher)
• Key Feature: Strong enforcement, high cost of living adjustments
• Collection Rate: 75-80%
• Reality Check: High payments but also high collection rates
• Contact: www.childsup.ca.gov

Texas

• Calculation Method: Percentage of Income Model
• Percentages: 20% (1 child), 25% (2 children), 30% (3 children)
• Income Cap: $9,200 monthly (under review for 2025)
• Key Feature: No consideration of custodial parent’s income
• Collection Rate: 70-75%
• Reality Check: Simple calculations but lower collection rates in some regions
• Contact: www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/child-support

Florida

• Calculation Method: Income Shares Model
• Key Feature: Strong interstate enforcement
• Collection Rate: 72-77%
• Reality Check: Moderate payments with improving collection systems
• Contact: www.myflorida.com/childpay

New York

• Calculation Method: Income Shares Model with caps
• Income Cap: $154,000 combined parental income (2025)
• Key Feature: Strong enforcement in urban areas
• Collection Rate: 75-80%
• Reality Check: High payments but effective collection in most cases
• Contact: www.newyorkchildsupport.com

Illinois

• Calculation Method: Percentage of Income Model
• Percentages: 20% (1 child), 28% (2 children), 32% (3 children)
• Key Feature: Recent modernization of enforcement tools
• Collection Rate: 68-73%
• Contact: www.illinois.gov/hfs/childsupport

Virginia

• Calculation Method: Income Shares Model
• Key Feature: Lower payment amounts but reasonable collection rates
• Collection Rate: 70-75%
• Reality Check: Lowest payment amounts nationally but consistent enforcement
• Contact: www.dss.virginia.gov/family/dcse

Interstate Child Support: When Parents Live in Different States

Understanding UIFSA

The Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) governs interstate child support cases. Federal law requires different states to cooperate to establish and enforce child support orders. For example, North Carolina must recognize orders from Arkansas and vice versa.

How Interstate Cases Work

1. One Order Rule: Only one state maintains jurisdiction to modify support
2. Enforcement Everywhere: All states must enforce valid orders from other states
3. Central State Registry: Each state maintains a database of orders
4. Employer Cooperation: Federal law requires that all employers must honor any garnishment orders from other states. The employer cannot refuse to take part in wage garnishment.

Interstate Collection Tools

• Wage Garnishment: Works across state lines automatically
• Asset Seizure: Bank accounts, tax refunds, and other assets
• License Suspension: Professional and driver’s licenses
• Passport Denial: For debts over $2,500

Modifying Child Support Orders

When You Can Request Changes

Valid reasons for modification:

• Significant income change (usually 15-20% or more)
• Change in parenting time arrangements
• Change in health insurance coverage
• Job loss or disability
• Completion of education or training programs

New 2025 Modification Rules

Under the new guidelines, minimum support thresholds have been adjusted to reflect the current federal poverty level, which provides a more realistic expectation for low-wage earners. In some states, courts are now required to perform a “self-support reserve” test, ensuring that the paying parent retains enough income to cover basic living expenses.

State Modification Procedures

Enforcement Tools: What States Can Do

Wage Garnishment

• Most effective collection tool
• Automatic in most states once order is established
• Can garnish up to 50-65% of disposable income
• Works across state lines

Asset Seizure

• Bank account levies
• Tax refund interception (federal and state)
• Seizure of personal property
• Real estate liens

License Suspension

• Driver’s license suspension for significant arrears
• Professional license suspension (contractors, lawyers, doctors, etc.)
• Recreational licenses (hunting, fishing)
• Business license suspension

Credit Reporting

• Unpaid child support appears on credit reports
• Can affect ability to get loans, mortgages, or credit cards
• Positive payment history can improve credit scores

Contempt of Court

• Jail time for willful non-payment
• In California, if the judge holds the delinquent parent in contempt of court, they can order a variety of penalties aimed at collecting support, including: Fining the delinquent parent up to $1,000. Sentencing them to up to five days in jail. Ordering them to complete 120 to 240 hours of community service.

Special Circumstances and Populations

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers

LGBTQ+ families face unique challenges in the child support system:

Common Issues:

• Establishing legal parentage for non-biological parents
• Second-parent adoption complications
• Donor conception legal frameworks
• Interstate recognition of parental rights

Resources:

• Family Equality Council: Legal resources and advocacy
• National Center for Lesbian Rights: Family law assistance
• Human Rights Campaign: State-by-state legal guides

Key Advice: Establish legal parentage for both parents before separation to ensure child support rights and obligations are clear.

Tribal-Specific Resources

Native American families have access to specialized child support services:

Tribal Child Support Programs:

• In FY 2024, OCSS approved three new tribal programs—the first additions since 2018—bringing the total number to 63. Tribal child support programs collected $50 million and served over 57,000 children.
• Direct access to federal enforcement tools
• Culturally appropriate services
• Coordination with state programs when needed

Resources:

• Tribal Child Support Directory: Complete list of tribal programs
• National Tribal Child Support Association: Training and resources

Rural Single Mom Families with Limited Access

Rural families face unique barriers to child support services:

Common Challenges:

• Limited internet access for online services
• Long distances to court hearings and agency offices
• Seasonal employment affecting payment consistency
• Limited local legal resources

Solutions and Resources:

• Phone-based case management available in most states
• Mobile child support offices in some rural areas
• Video conferencing for court hearings
• Partnership with rural legal aid organizations
• USDA Rural Development: Additional family support programs

Single Fathers

While less common, single fathers face specific challenges in the child support system:

Common Issues:

• Overcoming bias in family court systems
• Establishing paternity and custody rights
• Navigating support calculations when custodial parent earns more
• Finding father-specific support resources

Resources:

• National Parents Organization: Advocacy and legal information
• American Coalition for Fathers and Children: Support and resources
• Fathers’ Rights Groups: Local support groups

Key Advice: Document all interactions and maintain detailed records of parenting time and expenses.

Resources by Region

Northeast Region

States: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania

Regional Characteristics:

• Generally higher payment amounts
• Strong enforcement systems
• Good interstate cooperation
• Higher cost of living adjustments

Regional Resources:

• New England Child Support Enforcement Association
• Northeast regional training conferences
• Shared technology platforms

Southeast Region

States: Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana

Regional Characteristics:

• Mixed payment amounts and enforcement effectiveness
• Growing technology improvements
• Strong interstate coordination
• Rural access challenges in some areas

Regional Resources:

• Southeast Child Support Network
• Regional employment assistance programs
• Multi-state enforcement initiatives

Midwest Region

States: Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas

Regional Characteristics:

• Moderate payment amounts
• Generally effective enforcement
• Strong employer cooperation
• Seasonal employment considerations

Regional Resources:

• Midwest Child Support Directors Association
• Regional technology sharing
• Agricultural income assistance programs

Southwest Region

States: Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona

Regional Characteristics:

• Texas dominates regional statistics
• Mixed enforcement effectiveness
• Interstate border challenges
• Growing technology adoption

Regional Resources:

• Southwest Association for Child Support Enforcement
• Border-crossing coordination programs
• Bilingual support services

West Region

States: Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Alaska, Hawaii

Regional Characteristics:

• Highest variation in payment amounts and enforcement
• Technology leaders in many states
• Geographic challenges in some areas
• Strong interstate cooperation

Regional Resources:

• Western Interstate Child Support Enforcement Council
• Technology innovation programs
• Multi-state employment services

Common Questions Single Moms Ask (FAQs)

About Establishing Child Support

Q: How do I start a child support case? A: Contact your state’s child support agency online, by phone, or in person. Most states offer online applications that take 15-20 minutes. You’ll need information about the other parent including full name, address, employer, and Social Security number if available.

Q: What if I don’t know where the father is? A: Child support agencies have extensive tools to locate parents including employment databases, tax records, and asset searches. The Federal Parent Locator Service can search across multiple databases nationwide.

Q: Can I get child support if we were never married? A: Yes. Paternity must be established first, either through voluntary acknowledgment or court order. Once paternity is established, child support can be ordered.

Q: How long does it take to get an order? A: Typically 2-6 months depending on your state and case complexity. Emergency orders may be available in urgent situations.

About Payments and Enforcement

Q: What if he doesn’t pay? A: Contact your child support agency immediately. They have multiple enforcement tools including wage garnishment, asset seizure, and license suspension. Don’t wait – the sooner you report non-payment, the faster action can be taken.

Q: Can child support be taken from unemployment benefits? A: Yes, in most states. Unemployment insurance can be garnished for child support, though the process may take longer than wage garnishment.

Q: What if he works under the table? A: This is challenging but not impossible. Agencies can investigate lifestyle vs. reported income, check business licenses, and use other tools to find unreported income. Document any evidence you have of actual income.

Q: Can I get support if he lives in another state? A: Yes. Interstate enforcement is required by federal law. Your local agency will coordinate with the other state to establish and enforce orders.

About Modifications and Changes

Q: Can I change the amount if his income increases? A: Yes, if there’s a significant change (usually 15-20% or more). You can request a review and modification through your child support agency.

Q: What if I lose my job – will my support go down? A: If you’re receiving support, your income change generally won’t affect the amount you receive. If you’re paying support, you can request a modification based on income loss.

Q: What if we get back together? A: You can request to suspend enforcement, but the order remains in place. If you separate again, enforcement can resume. Consider carefully before stopping enforcement.

Q: What happens when my child turns 18? A: Support typically ends at 18 or high school graduation, whichever is later. Some states extend support for college or disabled children. Check your state’s specific rules.

About Problems and Special Situations

Q: What if the father declares bankruptcy? A: Child support obligations survive bankruptcy. Past-due support cannot be discharged, and current support continues. Contact your agency if you’re not receiving payments.

Q: Can I refuse visitation if he doesn’t pay? A: No. Child support and visitation are separate legal issues. Denying visitation due to non-payment can result in contempt of court charges against you.

Q: What if he moves to another country? A: The U.S. has international agreements with many countries for child support enforcement. The Central Authority Payment Service (known as CAP) has sent over $10 million in international child support payments to 13 countries and Ontario on behalf of 44 states.

Q: Can I get child support while on welfare? A: Yes, but in fiscal year 2022, state and federal governments kept as assistance reimbursement about two-thirds of all child support collected from families receiving TANF or foster care services. However, many states now have “pass-through” policies that allow some support to reach families.

Q: What if he’s in prison? A: If a parent becomes incarcerated, their child support payments will now be paused rather than accruing under new 2025 rules. You can request modification based on the incarceration.

Q: What records should I keep? A: Keep all court documents, payment records, communication with the child support agency, and documentation of the child’s expenses. Take photos of any written communication and save all emails and text messages.

Red Flags and Warning Signs

When Your Case Isn’t Working

Signs your child support case needs attention:

• No payments received for 30+ days without explanation
• Payments consistently late or partial
• No response from your caseworker within reasonable time
• Employment information not being updated despite known job changes
• Orders not being enforced despite available assets or income

When to Get Legal Help

Consider hiring an attorney when:

• Your case involves complex income sources (self-employment, investments)
• Interstate complications arise
• Contempt proceedings are necessary
• Large arrears have accumulated
• The other parent has hidden assets
• Your child support agency isn’t responsive to your concerns

Avoiding Scams

Warning signs of child support scams:

• Promises to “reduce or eliminate” child support for a fee
• Requests for upfront payment for collection services
• Claims to provide “secret” methods to avoid payment
• Unofficial payment processors asking for personal information
• “Legal advice” from non-licensed individuals

Remember: Legitimate child support services are provided by government agencies at no cost to custodial parents.

Technology and Online Tools

Official State Resources

Most states now offer online services including:

• Payment tracking and history
• Address and employment updates
• Modification requests
• Document upload capabilities
• Text and email alerts

Mobile Apps

Many states have developed mobile apps for child support management:

• Real-time payment notifications
• Quick balance checks
• Photo document submission
• Secure messaging with caseworkers

Child Support Calculators

Use official state calculators to estimate support amounts:

• More accurate than generic calculators
• Updated with current guidelines
• Include state-specific factors
• Available on most state websites

Warning: Online calculators provide estimates only. Official orders require court approval or administrative determination.

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Looking Ahead: Future Changes

Technology Improvements

Coming developments include:

• Artificial intelligence for case management
• Blockchain payment systems
• Enhanced income verification through digital platforms
• Automated modification triggers based on income changes

Policy Trends

Expected changes in coming years:

• Greater emphasis on employment assistance
• Expanded debt forgiveness programs
• Improved coordination between agencies
• Enhanced support for low-income families

Federal Legislation

Pending federal initiatives:

• Expansion of international enforcement agreements
• Enhanced tribal program funding
• Technology modernization grants
• Improved data sharing between agencies

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About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

The ASingleMother.org team has been researching and writing comprehensive benefits guides for single mothers across all 50 states since 2020. Our editorial team regularly updates these guides by reviewing official government sources, contacting state agencies, and incorporating feedback from hundreds of single mothers who have used these programs.

This child support guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the benefits system. We verify information with official sources including state child support agencies, the Office of Child Support Services, federal legislation, and local nonprofits to ensure accuracy.

Information compiled from official state child support agencies, Office of Child Support Services, Congressional Research Service, and HHS sources. Last verified: August 2025.

The ASingleMother.org editorial team welcomes feedback on this guide. If you find outdated information or discover new resources, please contact us at info@asinglemother.org so we can help other single mothers with accurate, current information.

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Disclaimer

Child support laws and procedures change frequently. While we strive to maintain current information, program details can change, and readers should always verify information with the relevant state agency or legal professional. This guide provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Individual circumstances vary, and outcomes depend on many factors including specific state laws, court decisions, and case details. For specific legal advice about your situation, consult with a qualified family law attorney in your state.

This information was current as of August 2025. Laws, procedures, and contact information may have changed since publication. Always contact your state’s child support agency for the most current information about your case.