Child Support Guidelines in Montana
The model, the factors, and the official table for Montana.
Reference only — no accounts, no personal data collected.Montana sets child support through statewide guidelines. This page explains the calculation model Montana uses, the factors that go into it, and where to find the official support schedule.
The Model Used in Montana
Montana uses the Melson Formula. After reserving a self-support amount for each parent and a standard-of-living allowance for the children, the remaining income is shared proportionally between the parents and the children.
Factors Montana Considers
- Each parent's gross income
- A self-support reserve (primary support allowance) for each parent
- A children's standard-of-living allowance
- Remaining net income shared proportionally between parents and children
- Childcare, health insurance, and uninsured medical costs
Base Obligation Table
The dollar amounts come from the Montana Child Support Schedule, published by the Montana Child Support Services. The schedule turns the inputs above into a monthly obligation. See the official schedule on the agency site: https://dphhs.mt.gov/hcsd/ChildSupport.
Montana uses the Melson Formula, reserving a self-support amount for each parent first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What model does Montana use for child support?
Montana uses the Melson model. See "The Model Used in Montana" above for how it works.
Does parenting time affect support in Montana?
Yes. Montana adjusts the obligation for the number of overnights the non-custodial parent has, because shared parenting lowers the custodial parent's direct costs.
Where do I find the official Montana support table?
The official schedule is published by the Montana Child Support Services. A link is in the "Base Obligation Table" section above.
Is this the final amount I will pay or receive?
Not necessarily. Courts can deviate for extraordinary medical needs, private school, or travel costs. Use the official schedule or a family-law attorney for a case-specific number.