Child Support Calculator 2026

The Düsseldorf Table assigns needs rates based on the obligor's adjusted net income and the child's age group. Half of the child benefit (€129.50 of €259) is deducted from the needs rate to determine the actual payment amount. The table assumes two dependants — more or fewer dependants shift the income group down or up accordingly.

Adjusted net income is monthly net income after deducting work-related expenses (e.g., commuting costs, work clothing), reasonable debt obligations, and other recognized liabilities. It forms the basis for classification in the Düsseldorf Table and thus determines the level of the support claim.

Support depends on your income group and the child's age. In the lowest income group (up to €2,100), the payment amount after child benefit deduction ranges from €355 to €564 per month, depending on the age group. With higher income, the amounts increase accordingly — in the highest group (up to €11,200), they can reach €547 to €839.

Self-retention is the minimum amount the obligor must keep for living expenses. As of 2026, it is €1,450 per month for employed obligors of minor children and €1,200 for unemployed obligors. For spousal support, self-retention is €1,600. If income falls below self-retention after support payments, a shortfall case applies.

In a shortfall case, the obligor's income is not enough to pay full support for all dependants while maintaining the self-retention amount. Payment amounts are then proportionally reduced. Minor children have priority over adult children and spouses under section 1609 of the German Civil Code.

Yes, half of the child benefit is offset against cash support. With a child benefit of €259 per child, €129.50 is deducted from the obligor's needs rate. The other half remains with the custodial parent with whom the child lives. For adult children, the full child benefit is offset.

Post-marital spousal support is calculated using the 3/7 difference method. First, child support is deducted from the obligor's income. Then the difference between both spouses' adjusted net incomes is calculated, and 3/7 of that difference is set as support. The employed obligor additionally receives an employment bonus of 1/7 of their adjusted income.

Under section 1609 of the German Civil Code, the priority order is: 1) Minor unmarried children and privileged adult children. 2) Spouses and ex-spouses with long marriage duration or childcare responsibilities. 3) Non-privileged adult children. 4) Other support claimants. In a shortfall case, lower-ranking claimants are only served after higher-ranking ones are fully satisfied.

Yes, a significant change in income can justify an adjustment of support. Generally, an income change of more than 10% warrants recalculation. However, the adjustment must be actively claimed — it does not happen automatically. Both the obligor and the claimant can request a modification.

Yes, if the adult child is still in education or vocational training, there is generally an obligation to pay support. Adult children are classified in the 18+ age group of the Düsseldorf Table. Unlike minors, both parents are proportionally liable for cash support based on their income. Self-retention for adult children is significantly higher at €1,750 compared to minors.