Every state is probably different, Cass. I do know that in SC there is a worksheet that you can use to help calculate the mandated amounts. Go to your state's webpage and get to the Dept. of Social Services section or whatever they call it in your state. You can probably find the formula there. In SC, it is based on income if the court is forced to set it. In my situation, we agreed on an amount, outside of the court system, which was less than the mandated amount, but something we could both live with.