California Child Support Calculations
By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq. | Last reviewed January 16, 2023
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.
The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. 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.
One of the more common questions raised by parents who are considering splitting up or have separated is how child support is determined by courts. Regardless of the nature of the legal custody arrangement between parents that have separated, child support may not be shouldered only by the custodial parent.
In other words, in joint custody arrangements parents that have split up may often share the costs associated with child support. It is very rare for one parent never to see their child or children after a separation, and most couples that have split up share custody in some way. In addition, most states have updated or are updating their guidelines to factor in the number of annual overnights that each parent has with their children to determine the percentages of costs associated with child support that each parent must shoulder.
So while the term "noncustodial parent" is often used, it is rare that either parent will not possess custody in some fashion. While some states may still recognize arrangements that reference a "noncustodial" parent, it is exceedingly rare for a parent to be noncustodial. Joint custody is by far the most common legal custody arrangement nationwide. So, it's not a question of noncustodial parents sharing child support payments. It's more often merely a question of how child support will be handled, regardless of an issue related to custody.
The following article will guide you through the process of making California child support calculations. Consider using FindLaw's child support checklist for more guidance on how to handle these calculations and other issues that arise in figuring out any child support arrangement.
Primary Considerations for Support Determinations
Determining the appropriate level of child support owed by the child's other parent is important in order to maintain the child's standard of living, health, education, and general welfare. This is a process performed by the courts where certain factors and guidelines are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. What is right for one child may not be for another.
Having all the necessary information ready will help the court determine the amount of child support and make the process of determining any child support arrangement move forward far more quickly.
California Guidelines for Calculating Child Support
California courts have certain guidelines set which help in calculating the amount of child support to order in a given case. Using the Child Support Guideline Calculator, you can determine the amounts of child support you and your child's other parent must shoulder. This resource is provided by the California Department of Child Support Services.
When Does Child Support Terminate |
Under Assembly Bill No. 3248, Chapter 504, all of the following are examples of circumstances where child support terminates:
|
|---|---|
Factors |
Under California Family Code Section 4053, all of the following are examples of what courts consider as relevant factors in their determinations of child support amounts:
|
Other Relevant Issues |
To review other aspects of child support arrangements, consider using the Child Support Guideline Calculator provided by the California Department of Child Support Services. |
Keep in mind that it's only in very limited situations that a judge can order an amount other than that calculated by the guidelines above.
Related Resources
Consider reviewing the following resources for more information about child support:
- Child Support Enforcement in California
- How Do I Get Child Support in California?
- California Child Support Modification
- California Child Support Payment
Need More Help? Contact an Attorney Today
Consulting with a local family law attorney may be helpful for anyone with specific questions about California child support calculations.
Next Steps: Search for a Local Attorney
Contact a qualified attorney.