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Child support calculator for a child — estimated amountTable of contents
The rules for setting child support in Poland are based mainly on Articles 133 and 135 of the Family and Guardianship Code (KRO). Courts do not use a “support table”; they assess the child’s situation and the parent’s capacity. Below is a concise, practical guide to the criteria, cost breakdown and changes after judgment.
If you need the procedure step by step, see: How to file a child support claim and Child support case — how the proceedings look.
Child support is financial maintenance for the child’s upbringing and development. The duty arises when the child cannot support themselves or their justified needs are not covered by the other parent.
A child is entitled to a standard of living similar to the parents’ standard. Courts consider age, health, education costs, housing conditions and the prior standard of living. The duty does not end automatically at 18 — it depends on whether the child can support themselves. See: How long child support is paid and Child support for an adult child.
There is no statutory “minimum amount” or fixed percentage. Each case is assessed individually. In practice, approximate ranges are sometimes used only as a starting point:
| Number of children | Approximate share of net income |
|---|---|
| 1 | about 15–20% |
| 2 | about 23–32% |
| 3+ | usually more, depending on the situation |
The court can order a higher or lower amount if justified by the child’s needs and the parent’s capacity. The outcome depends on the full context, not only a percentage.
Public benefits (for example 800+) affect the budget, but they do not replace the parental duty. See: Child support and 800+ benefits.
Courts assess two main groups of factors and balance them in the context of the case.
These are real, reasonable costs of maintenance and development, including:
“Justified needs” depend on age and situation. Expenses for tutoring or rehabilitation may be necessary if they match the child’s real needs and the family’s possibilities.
The court considers not only current income but also earning potential and property situation. In practice, this includes:
If a parent does not work but could, the court may use hypothetical income. This is a common dispute point.
The court also considers:
For custody‑related issues, see: Custody and parental rights vs. child support.
A monthly cost breakdown is the best starting point. Courts expect a consistent, documented calculation rather than perfect accounting.
Include:
Example structure:
| Category | Example monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Housing and utilities (child’s share) | 400–700 PLN |
| Food | 500–900 PLN |
| Clothing and footwear | 150–300 PLN |
| School and education | 150–400 PLN |
| Health and treatment | 50–300 PLN |
| Transport | 80–200 PLN |
| Extracurricular activities | 100–400 PLN |
| Other fixed costs | 50–200 PLN |
Attach evidence: invoices, receipts, payment confirmations, contracts and medical documents. If the case is urgent, consider interim support: Interim child support before judgment.
Common mistakes include missing evidence, overly general calculations and ignoring seasonal costs. A good cost sheet should be consistent with documents and explain how costs are distributed over time.
The Child support calculator provides an indicative estimate based on net income and number of children. It does not replace the court’s assessment.
Results may differ when:
The calculator can help in settlement talks, but it should be compared with your own cost breakdown. If the numbers differ a lot, some costs may need better justification or additional evidence.
After judgment, the amount can be modified if circumstances materially change, for example higher child costs or a change in income. This usually leads to a claim for increase or reduction:
Keep in mind timing and documents proving the change. The sooner you file after a material change, the higher the chance of an effective adjustment.
If payments stop, enforcement and the support fund may apply: Non‑payment of child support — enforcement and bailiff and Alimony fund — when it applies.
Related guides:
Legal advice is useful when the dispute involves higher amounts, irregular income, alternating custody, multiple obligations or suspected understatement of income. It is also helpful before filing to organize costs and evidence.
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