Editorial policy

Where the numbers come from

Every calculator follows the text of the state's own guideline: the statute, the court rule and the official schedule in force. We keep a copy of each document with the date we downloaded it and the date it took effect, and every rate, cap and table value in the calculator is traced to a line of that document. We do not take figures from other websites.

When a state publishes worked examples, we run them through our calculator and the result must match before the page goes live. Each result page shows the effective date of the schedule it uses.

How we write

We use AI tools to help draft text and code, and to review the calculations against the law. A person checks every figure against the saved state documents before it is published. No attorney has reviewed this site. That is why we describe the rules in general terms and do not tell anyone what to do in their own case.

Keeping it current

States review their guidelines every few years and some figures (income caps, self-support amounts) change every year. We check each state's rules regularly; the date of the last check is at the bottom of every page. If a state adopts a new schedule, we update the calculator and show the new effective date.

Corrections

If you find a mistake, please tell us through the contact form and include the state and the inputs you used. We fix confirmed errors and note the change.