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Estimate child support, guided step-by-step

We adapt the formula to your jurisdiction, walk through what counts, and explain every number in plain English.

Step 1 of 8 · Location13%

Where will support be ordered?

Each state and U.S. territory uses its own formula. We'll adapt every calculation to your jurisdiction.

Jurisdiction usually follows where the child has lived for the past 6 months.

Support model
Income Shares
Jurisdiction type
U.S. State
Coverage
56 jurisdictions

This jurisdiction combines both parents' incomes to estimate what would have been spent on the children, then divides that obligation proportionally.

Income Shares
v2025.1
Reviewed 2025-10-01

Algebraic income-shares formula (Family Code § 4055) with timeshare percentage central to the calculation.

Source: California Family Code § 4055

How this jurisdiction calculates support
Income Shares

This jurisdiction combines both parents' incomes to estimate what would have been spent on the children, then divides that obligation proportionally.

Shared custody rules

Shared-time credit begins at 73 overnights/year using the cross-credit method. Adjusted obligation cannot fall below 25% of base.

Income considerations
Wages & salary · Self-employment net · Bonuses

Schedule applies up to $30,000/mo combined. Income may be imputed when underemployment is found.

Healthcare & childcare

Health insurance premiums, work-related childcare, and uninsured medical are added on top of basic support and split by income share.

Low-income protections

Self-support reserve of $1,383/mo is preserved before support is calculated. Statutory minimum order: $100/mo.

Modification & duration

Modifications generally require a 20% change in circumstances and may be reviewed every 3 years. Support continues to age 18 — and may extend through education.

Enforcement

Enforced by California DCSS via wage assignment, license suspension, and tax intercepts.

Important notes

Courts may deviate from guideline amounts when fairness requires. Imputed income may apply if a parent is voluntarily underemployed.

Estimates only. California uses the statewide guideline formula (Family Code § 4055).
Clear information can reduce uncertainty.