1 Child
~18%
of income
Data updated May 2026
2021 guideline data Melson Formula model OCSE FY2023 source
Montana Child Support Guidelines
Montana runs the Melson Formula model, with no statutory income cap and a parenting-time credit - see the base percentages and OCSE FY2023 enforcement figures below.
By PlainChildSupport Editorial · · Source: Montana Revised Statutes · Last updated: 2021
Melson Formula
2 Children
~26%
of income
3 Children
~32%
of income
4 Children
~36%
of income
Income Cap
None
uncapped
Child Support Snapshot: Montana
Montana operates under the Melson Formula model, one of 3 U.S. states using this framework. For a parent supporting one child, the base guideline applies roughly 18% of income, scaling to 26% for two children and 32% for three. That places Montana at rank #17 of 51 states by single-child base percentage. Unlike capped states, there is no statutory income ceiling, the formula applies to the full reported income before deductions. Median household income here runs $60,560/yr.
Montana ranks #18 of 51 reporting states on OCSE collection efficiency and #47 by caseload volume, see the case counts, collection rate, and paternity-establishment figures in the enforcement breakdown below.
Montana allows a parenting time adjustment, which can materially reduce the base obligation when the non-custodial parent exercises substantial overnight time. A percentage figure alone doesn't determine the dollar amount, see how Montana compares to other guideline models →
How Montana Calculates Child Support
Montana uses the Melson Formula, a three-step calculation that first ensures each parent's self-support reserve, then determines primary child support needs, and finally adds a standard of living adjustment (SOLA). Its one-child base rate is in line with the national middle range.
Melson Formula. Three-step: self-support reserve, primary child support, SOLA.
Guideline Details
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Formula Model | Melson Formula |
| Income Floor | None |
| Income Ceiling | Uncapped |
| Parenting Time Adjustment | Available |
| Median Household Income | $60,560/yr |
| Single-Child Base | 18% (rank #17 of 51) |
Disclaimer: This page provides estimates for informational purposes only. Actual child support amounts may differ based on judicial discretion, deviation factors, and current Montana guidelines. Consult a family law attorney in Montana for legal advice.
Montana Child Support Enforcement
36,000
Active Cases
$80M
Annual Collections
63.4%
Collection Rate
79.5%
Cases with Orders
95.6%
Paternity Established
Montana vs national average (51 reporting states)
Collection rate 63.4%
national
63.4% of assessed support collected; national average 60.6%.
Paternity established 95.6%
national
95.6% of cases have legal parentage established; national average 94.9%.
Cases with orders 79.5%
79.5% of the caseload has a formal child support order in place.
Source: OCSE FY2023 preliminary report OCSE FY2023 preliminary report
Interactive Calculator for Montana
The Montana interactive calculator is being finalized. Use the official state calculator below for your estimate.
Official MT CalculatorOther Melson Formula States
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of income goes to child support in Montana?
In Montana, approximate guideline percentages are 18% for 1 child, 26% for 2 children, 32% for 3 children, and 36% for 4 children. Actual amounts depend on the income level and any applicable deviation factors.
Does parenting time affect child support in Montana?
Yes. Montana provides a parenting time adjustment when the non-custodial parent exercises significant overnight time (typically 40% or more). This credit reduces the base child support obligation proportionally.
Every figure on PlainChildSupport is rendered directly from official state guidelines and federal enforcement data, no number is typed in by an editor. This page draws directly on official state guidelines and federal enforcement data, no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
Data sources
Data sourced from official federal and state child-support agency records (NCSL, state statutes, ACS). See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainChildSupport Editorial
