I need help because...
In order for the calculator to work properly, you should be using an up-to-date web browser. The calculator has been tested in
Chrome,
Firefox,
Internet Explorer
and Safari.
You must also have PDF viewer such as the free Adobe Reader installed on your computer to view, print, and save the forms generated by the
calculator.
If you need technical help with the calculator, you may email helpdesk@courts.in.gov to ask for help. Give specific information about the
problem you are having, and we will try to help. However, because computer systems vary so widely, we cannot offer true technical support.
Please do not email the help desk seeking legal advice. Court employees cannot give legal advice; you should seek help from a licensed
attorney. For more information on finding an attorney to help you with your case,
please see http://www.in.gov/judiciary/probono/2343.htm.
The child support calculator is based on the Indiana Child Support Guidelines effective January 1, 2016. The way the calculator works is
pretty simple: it asks you a series of questions, and depending on how you answer them, it determines how to enter your information into
the child support forms. And it does a little bit of math too. It will also create the forms you will be required to file with the court
(but it doesn’t give you the forms you don’t need).
If you have a question about how child support is calculated according to the Guidelines, or need clarification on how to answer a specific
question in the calculator, or if you’re not sure why the calculator needs certain information to produce a result, you should
read the Child Support Guidelines. We can’t say it
enough. This calculator should not be used as a substitute for reading the Guidelines—especially if you plan to file case and represent yourself in court.
If you need help interpreting a section of the Guidelines, you’ll need to seek assistance from a legal professional. Some questions can be
answered by the judge presiding over your case, but judges can’t give legal advice either because they must remain impartial. So it’s best
if you seek advice from a lawyer. There are lots of ways to get legal advice, but this can vary depending on where you live.
Bar associations often have lawyer referral services or can direct you to affordable legal resources. Known bar associations in Indiana can
be found here: http://www.inbar.org/?page=local_bars.
If you can’t afford to hire an attorney, you can find low-cost or no-cost legal aid through Indiana’s Pro Bono network. For more information
about this type of legal aid, see http://www.in.gov/judiciary/probono/2344.htm.
For more information on finding an attorney to help you with your case, please see
http://www.in.gov/judiciary/probono/2343.htm.
If you plan to file a divorce or child support case and represent yourself in court, you should visit our
Self-Service Legal Center website and watch the video on
Representing Yourself in Court. The video will help prepare you
for the steps involved in a case from beginning to end.
It should be noted that self-representation should not be taken lightly, and that there are many instances in which retaining an attorney is
highly advisable. In fact, we suggest that even if you use the forms provided on this site that you still consult with an attorney prior to
submitting them to a court.
Every time you file a Court document or appear in Court, you are either helping or hurting your case. Before you move forward with any Court
case, it is a good idea to talk with a lawyer to make sure you know your rights and responsibilities, as well as the possible consequences of
proceeding. If you choose to go to court without a lawyer, you will have to follow the appropriate Indiana statutes, Indiana Rules of Evidence,
Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure, and any local rules. Although these forms have been prepared to help you represent yourself, some Courts may
have their own procedures and may not accept every form.