Support in Wyoming (2026)

The 20% Modification Threshold

One of Wyoming’s most distinctive child support rules is its clear, quantitative standard for modification. Under Wyo. Stat. Section 20-2-311, either party may seek modification of child support when circumstances warrant a change of 20% or more from the existing order. If the recalculated amount differs from the current order by at least 20%, there is a presumption that modification is appropriate.

This concrete threshold is more specific than the general “material change in circumstances” standard used by most states. It gives parents a straightforward way to assess whether a modification petition is likely to succeed: if your recalculated support amount differs by 20% or more, the court will presume the change is warranted. Below 20%, you would need to demonstrate that other material and substantial changes in circumstances justify the modification.

How Wyoming Calculates Child Support

Wyoming uses an income shares model with percentage-based guidelines to determine child support obligations. Under Wyo. Stat. Section 20-2-304, the court calculates support based on both parents’ net income, producing a presumptive support amount that is allocated proportionally between the parents.

The calculation begins by determining each parent’s net income. Gross income includes earnings from all sources — wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, investment income, rental income, Social Security benefits, workers’ compensation, unemployment benefits, pensions, and trust income. Deductions are applied for federal and state income taxes, FICA taxes, mandatory retirement contributions, health insurance premiums for the child, and pre-existing support obligations for other children.

The parents’ combined net income is applied to the guidelines schedule, which produces a basic support obligation based on the total income and the number of children. Each parent’s share is proportional to their percentage of the combined net income. The parent without primary physical custody pays their share to the custodial parent. Costs for work-related child care and extraordinary medical expenses are added and allocated proportionally.

For a broader overview of how support calculations work, see our guide on how child support is calculated. You can also estimate your potential obligation using our child support calculator.

Adjustments for Shared Custody

When parents share physical custody and each has the child for a substantial portion of the year, the guidelines provide adjustments to account for the direct expenses each household incurs. The specific adjustment depends on the proportion of time the child spends with each parent. In cases where each parent has the child for approximately equal time, both parents’ theoretical obligations are calculated and the parent with the higher obligation pays the net difference.

With the new shared custody presumption under SF0117 (effective July 2025), more Wyoming families may be operating under shared custody arrangements, making these adjustments increasingly relevant.

Deviation from Guidelines

The guidelines amount is presumptive, but the court may deviate when strict application would be unjust or inappropriate. Recognized deviation factors under Wyo. Stat. Section 20-2-307 include:

• The age of the child
• The cost of necessary child care
• Special health care or educational needs of the child
• The responsibility of either parent for the support of other children
• The value of services contributed by either parent
• Expenses reasonably related to pregnancy and confinement
• The cost of transportation for visitation
• The net income of the parents
• The standard of living the child would have enjoyed had the family remained intact
• Other relevant factors

When the court deviates from the guidelines, it must state the guidelines amount and provide specific findings justifying the deviation.

Duration of Child Support

Child support in Wyoming continues until the child reaches age 18, or until age 19 if the child is still attending high school. Support may also terminate upon the child’s marriage, emancipation, or entry into military service. Wyoming does not generally require parents to pay for post-secondary education, though the parties may agree to such provisions in their divorce settlement.

Alimony in Wyoming

Wyoming courts may award alimony under Wyo. Stat. Section 20-2-114. Wyoming is notable for allowing the court to consider the respective merits and fault of the parties when determining alimony, in addition to financial factors such as:

• The length of the marriage
• Each spouse’s earning capacity
• The property division
• The standard of living during the marriage
• The age and health of each party
• The ability of the spouse seeking support to earn a livelihood
• Contributions to the education or training of the other spouse

Wyoming recognizes several forms of alimony:

• Temporary alimony — Support during the pendency of the divorce proceedings.
• Rehabilitative alimony — Time-limited support to allow the recipient to obtain education, training, or employment to become self-supporting.
• Permanent (long-term) alimony — Awarded in longer marriages or when the recipient spouse cannot reasonably be expected to become self-supporting.
• Lump-sum alimony — A one-time payment in lieu of periodic support.

Enforcement

Wyoming employs a comprehensive set of enforcement mechanisms through the Department of Family Services, Child Support Enforcement Program:

• Income withholding (wage garnishment)
• Interception of state and federal tax refunds
• Suspension of driver’s, professional, and recreational licenses
• Contempt of court, which may result in fines or incarceration
• Liens on real and personal property
• Passport denial for arrearages exceeding $2,500
• Credit bureau reporting
• Bank account garnishment

When to Seek Legal Guidance

Wyoming’s child support guidelines and alimony framework require careful financial analysis and attention to the specific facts of each case. The 20% modification threshold provides a clear standard, but calculating the correct support amount still requires accurate income documentation and an understanding of the guidelines schedule. Whether you are establishing a new support order, seeking a modification, or dealing with enforcement issues, consider scheduling a free consultation with an experienced family law attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions

What child support model does Wyoming use?

Wyoming uses an income shares model with percentage-based guidelines under Wyo. Stat. Section 20-2-304. Both parents’ net incomes are combined and applied to the guidelines schedule, producing a presumptive support amount allocated proportionally between the parents.

Until what age does child support last in Wyoming?

Child support continues until the child reaches age 18, or until age 19 if the child is still attending high school. Wyoming does not generally require parents to pay for post-secondary education.

What triggers a modification of child support in Wyoming?

Under Wyo. Stat. Section 20-2-311, modification may be sought when circumstances warrant a change of 20% or more from the existing order, which creates a presumption that modification is appropriate. Either party must show a material and substantial change of circumstances.

Can fault affect alimony in Wyoming?

Yes. Under Wyo. Stat. Section 20-2-114, Wyoming allows the court to consider the respective merits and fault of the parties in determining alimony. The court also recognizes temporary, rehabilitative, permanent, and lump-sum forms of alimony.

How does the 20% threshold work in practice?

If your current child support order is $500 per month and a recalculation based on current circumstances produces an amount of $400 or $600 (a 20% change), the court will presume modification is appropriate. If the recalculated amount falls within the 20% range of the existing order, you would need to demonstrate other material changes to justify modification.

Does Wyoming require parents to pay for college?

No. Wyoming does not generally require parents to contribute to post-secondary education expenses. However, parents may voluntarily agree to college contribution provisions as part of their divorce settlement, and such agreements are enforceable.

How This Guide Was Researched

This guide was developed through direct review of Wyo. Stat. Sections 20-2-301 through 20-2-311 (child support guidelines, income calculation, deviation factors, and the 20% modification threshold) and Section 20-2-114 (alimony factors, fault consideration through the “respective merits” language, and alimony types). We also reviewed the Wyoming child support guidelines schedule, the Department of Family Services Child Support Enforcement Program documentation, Wyoming Judicial Branch self-help forms for support petitions and modifications, and Wyoming State Bar family law section resources on calculating support under the income shares model.

Sources and Legal References

• Wyo. Stat. §§ 20-2-301 through 20-2-311 — Child support guidelines, income shares model, and modification standards
• Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-304 — Child support calculation methodology (income shares with percentage guidelines)
• Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-307 — Deviation factors for departing from presumptive guidelines amount
• Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-311 — Modification standard (20% threshold creates presumption of appropriateness)
• Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-114 — Alimony factors, “respective merits” fault consideration, and alimony types

Official Wyoming Resources

• Wyoming Judicial Branch — Self-Help Forms

For more about how we research our guides, see our editorial policy and sources methodology.

Related Guides

• How child support is calculated
• Child support calculator
• Child custody in Wyoming
• Divorce in Wyoming
• How alimony works
• Modifying child support orders
• 50/50 custody and its effect on support