Custody Laws by State
Each state has different rules for what qualifies as "shared custody" for child support calculations. Find your state below to understand the overnight threshold and how it affects support worksheets.
Why Thresholds Matter
When you cross the shared custody threshold, a different child support formula applies. This can significantly change the support calculation — often by hundreds of dollars per month.
States with Detailed Guides
Maryland
Worksheet A vs B
New Jersey
PAR adjustment
Pennsylvania
~146 overnights
Virginia
Combined custody
Florida
~73 overnights
Texas
Standard Possession Order
California
Timeshare formula
New York
Deviation based
Ohio
~110 overnights
Georgia
~110 overnights
North Carolina
Shared custody credit
All State Thresholds
| State | Threshold | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | 92 | overnights | Worksheet A vs B |
| New Jersey | 104 | overnights | PAR adjustment |
| Pennsylvania | 40% | percentage | ~146 overnights |
| Virginia | 90 | days | Combined custody |
| Florida | 20% | percentage | ~73 overnights |
| Texas | SPO | other | Standard Possession Order |
| California | H% | other | Timeshare formula |
| New York | Varies | other | Deviation based |
| Ohio | 30% | percentage | ~110 overnights |
| Georgia | 30% | percentage | ~110 overnights |
| North Carolina | 123 | overnights | Shared custody credit |
Note: This information is for educational purposes only. Thresholds can change with legislative updates. Always verify current requirements with official state resources or consult with a family law attorney in your state.
Understanding Threshold Types
Overnight Count
States like Maryland (92) and New Jersey (104) use a specific number of overnights per year to define shared custody.
Percentage
States like Pennsylvania (40%) and Florida (20%) use percentage of time rather than overnight counts.
Formula-Based
States like California use sliding scale formulas that adjust support based on exact parenting time.
Calculate Your Overnights
See exactly how many overnights your schedule provides and whether you meet your state's shared custody threshold.
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