I need help because...
The calculator isn’t working as expected (e.g., I can’t download a form, a form is missing information, the calculator won’t produce a result, etc.)

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.

Understanding what information to enter or why the calculator asks for certain information.

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.

Understanding a section from the Indiana Child Support Guidelines.

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.

I’m filing a divorce case, or a case to establish, modify, or terminate child support.

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.