Hawaiʻi uses the Melson Formula under HRS § 576D-7, currently in the 2024 edition of the Child Support Guidelines, effective April 1, 2024. The formula sets a $455-per-child primary support figure before adding a standard-of-living adjustment of 10% per child, capped at 30% overall. This calculator’s net-income math was verified to the cent against the Hawaiʻi Judiciary’s own official automated calculator.
Key facts
| Model | Melson Formula — HRS § 576D-7, 2024 Child Support Guidelines (eff. 2024-04-01) |
|---|---|
| Primary support | $455/child |
| Standard-of-living adjustment | 10%/child, capped at 30% |
| Verification | Net income verified to the cent against the Judiciary’s automated calculator |
Official source: https://www.courts.state.hi.us/child-support-guidelines
Custody arrangements covered
- Melson’s allowance-then-adjustment structure applies, then splits by each parent’s share of custody
Frequently asked questions
What formula does Hawaiʻi use for child support?
The Melson Formula, under the 2024 edition of the Child Support Guidelines (effective April 1, 2024), authorized by HRS § 576D-7.
What is Hawaiʻi’s primary support figure per child?
$455 per child, before the standard-of-living adjustment is added.
What is Hawaiʻi’s standard-of-living adjustment?
An additional 10% per child, capped at 30% overall, reflecting that children should share in a parent’s higher standard of living.
How accurate is this Hawaiʻi calculator?
Its net-income calculation was verified to the cent against the Hawaiʻi Judiciary’s own official automated calculator.
Update history
- — Hawaiʻi went live using the Melson Formula under the 2024 Child Support Guidelines (effective 2024-04-01), with $455/child primary support and a 10%-per-child standard-of-living adjustment (capped at 30%). Verified to the cent against the Judiciary's own automated calculator.