Child Support Calculator

Estimate indicative child support amounts based on the official French Ministry of Justice guidelines.

Parameters

Payer's net income (€/month)

Number of children

Custody type

Recipient's net income (€/month)

Per child amount

214 €

/ month / per child

Total monthly support

428 €

/ month

Calculation breakdown

Payer's available income1 864 €

Rate per child11.5 %

Per child amount214 €

Total monthly support428 €

Income distribution

How is child support determined in France?

In France, child support (pension alimentaire) is determined by the family court judge based on each parent's income, the number of children, and the custody arrangement. The Ministry of Justice publishes an indicative reference table that judges commonly use as a starting point.

Ministry Guidelines

The official table provides a percentage of the payer's income per child, varying by custody type: limited visitation, standard visitation, or shared custody.

Minimum Living Standard

A minimum living standard (approximately €636) is deducted from the payer's income before applying the percentage, ensuring basic needs are covered.

Custody Type

The rate decreases as the payer's custody time increases: limited visitation has the highest rate, shared custody (50/50) the lowest.

The indicative reference table

The Ministry of Justice table applies a rate per child to the payer's available income (net income minus the minimum living standard). For example, with standard visitation and one child, the rate is approximately 13.5%. The rate decreases per child as the number of children increases.

Important limitations

This calculator provides an indicative estimate only. The actual amount is set by a judge who considers additional factors: each child's specific needs, the standard of living during the marriage, extraordinary expenses (school, health, activities), and any special circumstances.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Ministry of Justice table binding?▼

No, it is only indicative. Judges use it as a reference but can deviate based on specific circumstances of each case. However, it is widely used and provides a reasonable estimate.

Can child support be modified?▼

Yes, either parent can request a modification if there is a significant change in circumstances: job loss, new children, change in custody arrangement, or substantial change in either parent's income.

Until what age is child support paid?▼

Child support continues until the child is financially independent, not just until age 18. If the child is still studying or unable to support themselves, the obligation continues into adulthood.

What happens if the payer does not pay?▼

The recipient can use the CAF's intermediation service, hire a bailiff (huissier) for direct salary attachment, or file a criminal complaint for family abandonment (up to 2 years imprisonment).