Shared Placement and Split Placement in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, when each parent has at least 92 overnights, each parent’s percentage-standard amount is multiplied by 150% and by the other parent’s share of time and the larger result pays the difference; split placement prorates the percentage per child and offsets.
When it applies
The shared-placement formula applies when both parents have court-ordered placement of at least 25% of the year (92 overnights) and the court orders each parent to pay the child’s basic support costs in proportion to the time the child is with him or her; the court must also assign variable costs by each parent’s share of placement. Equivalent care, such as regular day care, can count toward the 25% in some cases. The Department explains it on its tools page and in its shared-placement worksheet.
The formula
(1) Multiply each parent’s monthly income by the percentage standard for the number of children. (2) Multiply each amount by 150%. (3) Multiply each result by the percentage of time the child spends with the other parent. (4) The parent with the larger amount pays the difference. In the Department’s example, parent A earns $2,000 and has the children 60% of the time and parent B earns $3,000 and has them 40%: $2,000 × 25% × 150% × 40% = $300; $3,000 × 25% × 150% × 60% = $675; B pays $375.
Examples
Two children:
| Case | Monthly support from the higher-income parent |
|---|---|
| 219 and 146 overnights, incomes $2,000 and $3,000 (DCF example) | $375 |
| Incomes $3,000 and $5,000, 200 and 165 overnights | $518 |
| Same incomes, 273 and 92 overnights | $1,118 |
| Same incomes, 274 and 91 overnights (percentage standard) | $1,250 |
| Same incomes, 183 and 182 overnights | $379 |
Below 92 overnights the percentage standard applies, so the order changes sharply at the line.
Split placement
When each parent has primary placement of at least one child but not all, the court may prorate the percentage per child (25% ÷ 2 = 12.5% each for two children, 9.67% each for three, 7.75% each for four and 6.8% each for five), multiply each parent’s income by the prorated percentage times the number of children with the other parent, and offset. In the Department’s example, parent A earns $3,000 and has two of three children and parent B earns $2,800 and has one: A owes $290, B owes $542 and B pays $252.
Combining placements
A combination of split and shared placement is handled by a separate worksheet, which this calculator does not compute.
Questions to bring to an attorney
Ask how the court will count your overnights, whether equivalent care counts and how variable costs would be assigned.
Variable costs
The formula does not include the child’s variable costs (child care, health care not covered by insurance, school and travel), which the court assigns in proportion to each parent’s share of placement.
Frequently asked questions
Does Wisconsin use a 150% multiplier?
Yes, in the shared-placement formula, to reflect the extra cost of two households.
How is Wisconsin shared placement child support calculated?
Each parent's percentage-standard amount is multiplied by 150% and by the other parent's share of time; the larger result pays the difference.
What is split placement in Wisconsin?
Each parent has primary placement of one or more, but not all, of the children, and the court may prorate the percentage per child and offset.
What happens below 92 overnights in Wisconsin?
The percentage standard applies to the parent with fewer overnights, without the shared-placement reduction.
Are child care costs in the Wisconsin shared-placement amount?
No. Variable costs are assigned separately in proportion to placement.
Official sources
- Wisconsin DCF: tools to estimate income and support amounts (DCF 150)
- Wisconsin DCF: setting payment amounts
- Wisconsin DCF: shared-placement worksheet under DCF 150
A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Wisconsin statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Wisconsin attorney.