Shared Responsibility and Split Custody in Wyoming
In Wyoming, when each parent has the children overnight more than 25% of the year, the joint obligation is multiplied by 150% and each parent’s share by the other parent’s time, with the difference paid; split custody divides the obligation per child and offsets.
Shared responsibility
When each parent keeps the children overnight for more than 25% of the year and both parents contribute substantially to the children’s expenses in addition to child support, the parents’ joint obligation from the table is multiplied by 150%, divided between the parents in proportion to net income, and each parent’s share is multiplied by the percentage of time the children spend with the other parent; the parent owing more pays the difference (Wyo. Stat. 20-2-304(c)).
Examples
Two children; net incomes of $3,000 and $5,000:
| Overnights (you / other parent) | Monthly support from the $5,000 parent |
|---|---|
| 200 and 165 overnights (54.8% / 45.2%) | $531 (shared formula) |
| 183 and 182 overnights | $389 |
| 273 and 92 overnights (25.2% for the lesser parent) | $1,146 (shared formula) |
| 274 and 91 overnights (24.9%) | $1,280 (basic calculation) |
The court form puts it as line 5 × 150% × the other parent’s percentage for each parent, and the difference is the support due.
Why the line matters
Because the 25% test is about overnights, one extra night can move a case from the basic calculation to the shared formula and change the order by hundreds of dollars.
Split custody
When each parent has physical custody of at least one child, the joint obligation for all the children from the table is divided by the number of children, the per-child amount is allocated by the number of children with each parent, multiplied by the other parent’s share of net income, and offset (304(d)). With three children, two of them with the lower earner, the net payment is $703; with one of them, $100.
The self-support reserve still applies
The limit in subsection (f) is applied to the result of the shared or split computation as well as the basic one.
Social Security and veterans’ benefits
If part of the obligor’s Social Security or veterans’ benefit is paid directly to the custodian of the children, the whole benefit counts as the obligor’s gross income, and the amount sent to the custodian is subtracted from the obligor’s share, but not below zero (304(e)). This calculator does not model it.
Frequently asked questions
What percentage of overnights is shared custody in Wyoming?
More than 25% of the year for each parent.
What is the Wyoming shared custody multiplier?
150% of the joint obligation, then each parent's share times the other parent's share of the time.
How does Wyoming calculate split custody?
The joint obligation is divided by the number of children, allocated by the number with each parent and offset.
Does the self-support reserve apply to shared custody in Wyoming?
Yes. It limits the obligor's support whichever formula is used.
Are Social Security benefits paid to the custodian counted in Wyoming?
They count as the obligor's income and are subtracted from his or her share.
Official sources
- Wyo. Stat. 20-2-304: presumptive child support
- 2023 Wyoming House Bill 12: the presumptive tables effective July 1, 2023
- Wyoming courts: child support computation form and net income worksheet (DIVCP 13)
- Wyoming Child Support Program: online calculator
- Federal Register: 2026 HHS poverty guidelines
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 Wyoming statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Wyoming attorney.