Quick answer: Rhode Island uses an income-shares model set by the Family Court under R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-5-16.2 and Administrative Order 2023-02 (effective July 1, 2023). On worksheet FC-78, each parent’s monthly gross income is reduced by preexisting child support, health insurance premiums or cash medical contributions, a credit for additional minor dependents (half the schedule amount) and his or her share of work-related child care. The adjusted incomes are added, rounded up to the next $50, and the Schedule of Basic Child Support Obligations ($1,350 to $40,000 a month, one to six children) gives the basic obligation, which includes a self-support reserve of $1,333. The non-custodial parent pays his or her percentage share of the basic obligation plus child care, and orders are expressed weekly. When each parent has at least 49% of the overnights, each parent’s share is calculated and the higher obligation pays the difference. The guideline amount applies unless the court finds it inequitable and makes findings.
How the Rhode Island worksheet works
- Income, deductions, the schedule and shares. See how the Rhode Island worksheet works.
- Shared placement. See shared placement and the 49 percent rule.
- Child care, health coverage and the reserve. See child care, health coverage and the self-support reserve.
What this calculator checks
The calculator follows the worksheet and the schedule in the administrative order (774 rows read from the scanned official pages and cross-checked cell by cell against a second reading of the same table) and reproduces the order’s worked examples for the basic order, state medical assistance, private premiums, additional dependents, child care and shared placement. It does not compute split placement, deviations or the optional court adjustments beyond one combined deduction field.
Child support across Rhode Island
The guidelines apply in the Family Court, from Providence, Cranston, Warwick, Pawtucket, East Providence or Woonsocket, and in cases handled by the Office of Child Support Services. A court that finds the guideline amount inequitable must make findings of fact on the factors in § 15-5-16.2(a).
Frequently asked questions
How is child support calculated in Rhode Island?
Both parents' monthly adjusted gross incomes are added and rounded up to the next $50, the schedule gives the basic obligation for the number of children, and the non-custodial parent pays his or her percentage share, with child care added.
Are Rhode Island child support orders weekly?
Yes. The worksheet's monthly amount is divided by 4.3 to give the weekly order.
What is the Rhode Island self-support reserve?
$1,333 a month, equal to the 2022 federal poverty guideline for one person, built into the schedule and not subtracted separately.
What is shared placement in Rhode Island?
Each parent has at least 49% of the overnights; each parent's share of the total is calculated and the higher obligation pays the difference.
What is the highest income in the Rhode Island schedule?
$40,000 of combined monthly income; above it the amount at $40,000 is scaled by the ratio of actual combined income to $40,000.