{"id":371751,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:27","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/california-law\/california-child-support-calculations.html"},"modified":"2025-02-21T16:14:01","modified_gmt":"2025-02-21T21:14:01","slug":"california-child-support-calculations","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/california-law\/california-child-support-calculations.html","title":{"rendered":"California Child Support Calculations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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California Child Support Calculations<\/h1>\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

In California, courts base child support orders on the parent’s income and the child’s needs. California child support guidelines<\/a> ensure that both parents support the child and that the child enjoys the same standard of living as before the parents divorced or separated.<\/p>\r\n

The child support formula balances the amount of time the noncustodial parent<\/a> spends with the child and the total net income of both parents. The theory is that the custodial parent contributes most of the child’s basic needs. But, California law allows judges to adjust the support amount based on the parents’ agreements or ability to pay.<\/p>\r\n

California Guidelines for Calculating Child Support<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

In the early days of divorce and child support<\/a>, one parent, usually the mother, had the majority of parenting time, and the other parent paid most or all the child support. Today, joint custody arrangements are the rule. Parents are likely to pay equal child support unless one parent earns significantly more than the other.<\/p>\r\n

California child support calculations<\/a> use a guideline formula<\/a> to determine the amount of support the higher earner pays to the lower earner. This formula takes into account all required deductions from the parents’ income,<\/p>\r\n

Primary Considerations for Support Determinations<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

A child support case is separate from divorce or child custody<\/a>. Either parent or the child’s legal guardian may open a case with the Department of Child Support Services. The local child support agency manages the case in the child’s county of residence. When a parent or guardian goes to court, they should have all relevant information to help the court determine the necessary amount of child support. You should get legal advice from a family law attorney<\/a> to ensure you have all the necessary information.<\/p>\r\n

FindLaw’s child support checklist<\/a> can help you gather the information your lawyer will need to help you in your child support case.<\/p>\r\n

Determining Factors for Child Support<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

California Family Code Section 4053<\/a> states that both parents’ primary duty is the care and support of their minor children. To determine the amount of support, courts may consider:<\/p>\r\n