How child support is calculated in North Dakota

How the guideline works, what the official calculator needs, and the low-income and health insurance rules.

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

North Dakota uses a percentage-of-income guideline: the amount depends on the paying parent's income and the number of children. North Dakota looks only at the income of the parent who pays support. You find that parent's monthly net income and the number of children on the state schedule, and the schedule gives the amount.

Model
Percentage of income
Official calculator
Official North Dakota child support calculator

The official North Dakota calculator

North Dakota looks only at the income of the parent who pays support. You find that parent's monthly net income and the number of children on the state schedule, and the schedule gives the amount. Adjustments exist for extended parenting time, equal or split residential responsibility, other children and more.

Law: N.D. Cent. Code 14-09-09.7; N.D. Admin. Code ch. 75-02-04.1 (amended guidelines effective July 1, 2023)

North Dakota's guideline changes with income in a way we can't restate safely, so we don't show a home-made number. The official tool gives the real starting number:

Official North Dakota child support calculator

The North Dakota guideline, step by step

North Dakota looks only at the income of the parent who pays support. You find that parent's monthly net income and the number of children on the state schedule, and the schedule gives the amount. Adjustments exist for extended parenting time, equal or split residential responsibility, other children and more.

Law: N.D. Cent. Code 14-09-09.7; N.D. Admin. Code ch. 75-02-04.1 (amended guidelines effective July 1, 2023)

The percentage changes with income. Example at $3,000 monthly net income of the paying parent: 1 child $590 (20%), 2 children $846 (28%), 3 children $1,007 (34%), 4 children $1,122 (37%), 5 children $1,217 (41%), 6 or more $1,298.

Medical support in North Dakota

Every support order must include health insurance for the children. Generally the parent who receives support must carry it if it is available at low or no cost; otherwise the paying parent must provide it if it is available at reasonable cost (through an employer or union, or on a group basis).

Law: N.D. Cent. Code 14-09-08.10 and following

How this kind of formula works

A percentage-of-income guideline multiplies the income the law counts by a percentage that grows with the number of children. The court or agency can then adjust it.

Every state must have one set of child support guidelines, review them at least every 4 years, and use the guideline amount unless a written finding says it would be unjust.

Law: 45 CFR 302.56

Low incomes in North Dakota

On the schedule, a paying parent with $800 or less monthly net income has a $0 amount. Income can be imputed (counted as if earned) when a parent is unemployed or underemployed.

State guidelines may not treat time in jail or prison as choosing not to work, when support is set or changed.

Law: 45 CFR 302.56(c)(3)

In nearby states

  • Wisconsin: Percentage of income · 1 child 17%
  • Nevada: Percentage of income · 1 child 16%
  • Texas: Percentage of income · 1 child 20%
  • Mississippi: Percentage of income · 1 child 14%

From income to an order in North Dakota

  1. Collect proof of income

    Pay stubs, tax returns and benefit letters for both parents, if you have them.

  2. Run the official numbers

    The official number comes from Official North Dakota child support calculator.

  3. Add the extra costs

    Insurance and child care often go on top of the basic amount.

  4. Ask for an order

    The agency can set up an order: contact North Dakota Health and Human Services, Child Support ((701) 328-5440) · Apply online

  5. Get help

    Legal aid can help for free: Legal Services of North Dakota.

Free help in North Dakota

Questions about the North Dakota guidelines

How does North Dakota figure child support?

North Dakota looks only at the income of the parent who pays support. You find that parent's monthly net income and the number of children on the state schedule, and the schedule gives the amount. Adjustments exist for extended parenting time, equal or split residential responsibility, other children and more.

What percentage of income is child support in North Dakota?

The percentage changes with income. Example at $3,000 monthly net income of the paying parent: 1 child $590 (20%), 2 children $846 (28%), 3 children $1,007 (34%), 4 children $1,122 (37%), 5 children $1,217 (41%), 6 or more $1,298.

Is there an official child support calculator for North Dakota?

Yes: Official North Dakota child support calculator.

How does North Dakota treat low incomes?

On the schedule, a paying parent with $800 or less monthly net income has a $0 amount. Income can be imputed (counted as if earned) when a parent is unemployed or underemployed.

How are medical costs shared in North Dakota?

Every support order must include health insurance for the children. Generally the parent who receives support must carry it if it is available at low or no cost; otherwise the paying parent must provide it if it is available at reasonable cost (through an employer or union, or on a group basis).

Keep reading about North Dakota

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources