How does the child support calculator work?

Chatref’s AI agents are trained to resolve repeat questions automatically, in your firm’s voice. For support calculations, the agent asks step-by-step questions just as a paralegal would. It verifies inputs, explains what’s needed next, and only moves to the formula once all required fields are complete. The agent never guesses - it works from the data you’ve provided and the calculation rules you’ve configured.

The calculator itself is a custom action - a tool that your AI agent can trigger mid-conversation. You or your team define the logic (e.g., state guidelines, income shares model) and map the fields the agent must collect. When a client asks about child support, the agent gathers the details, calls the custom action, and presents the result in chat. No separate calculator page, no copy-paste - the entire support calculation happens inside the conversation.

Getting your child support calculator live is part of Chatref’s onboarding flow. In the setup, you add your firm’s content (jurisdiction guidelines, FAQs), configure the custom action, and test the agent’s conversation. Then you drop the widget onto your website. The whole process is designed so a solo practitioner or a small firm can be up and running quickly - no developer needed beyond one-time action configuration.

Because the custom action runs your exact formula, it’s a family law tool that adapts to your specific practice. Update rates or rules anytime; the agent will use the latest version on every new request. Over time, Chatref’s insights digest helps you spot frequent questions or missing inputs, so you can refine both the calculator and your site’s content to serve clients better.

How accurate is the child support calculator? Accuracy depends entirely on the formula and data you supply to the custom action. The agent faithfully applies the calculation logic you’ve defined; it does not estimate or invent numbers. We always recommend clients confirm critical results with an attorney before relying on the figure, as family law outcomes can involve judicial discretion.

Can I save my calculation results? Yes. Every conversation - including the inputs and the final calculator result - is stored in your Chatref inbox. You and your team can review past calculations, pick up a handoff if needed, and keep a record of client interactions. No results are lost when you log out.

Is the calculator compliant with local laws? The calculator is as compliant as the formula you build. Chatref hosts the tool and powers the conversation, but the legal content and calculation rules are yours to maintain. We recommend regularly reviewing your jurisdiction’s guidelines and updating the action to stay current. The calculator is a tool to streamline intake, not a substitute for legal advice.