California Child Support Calculator & Complete Guide
Estimate child support, understand California rules, compare scenarios, and explore state-specific guidance.
California at a glance
Algebraic income-shares formula (Family Code § 4055) with timeshare percentage central to the calculation.
Algebraic income-shares formula (Family Code § 4055) with timeshare percentage central to the calculation.
Source: California Family Code § 4055
This jurisdiction combines both parents' incomes to estimate what would have been spent on the children, then divides that obligation proportionally.
Shared-time credit begins at 73 overnights/year using the cross-credit method. Adjusted obligation cannot fall below 25% of base.
Schedule applies up to $30,000/mo combined. Income may be imputed when underemployment is found.
Health insurance premiums, work-related childcare, and uninsured medical are added on top of basic support and split by income share.
Self-support reserve of $1,383/mo is preserved before support is calculated. Statutory minimum order: $100/mo.
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.
Enforced by California DCSS via wage assignment, license suspension, and tax intercepts.
Courts may deviate from guideline amounts when fairness requires. Imputed income may apply if a parent is voluntarily underemployed.
How California calculates child support
This jurisdiction combines both parents' incomes to estimate what would have been spent on the children, then divides that obligation proportionally.
Significant overnights with the paying parent reduce the calculated transfer because direct care offsets cash support.
Childcare, health insurance, and uninsured medical costs are added on top of basic support and shared in proportion to income.
Modification in California
California generally requires a ~20% change in circumstances to modify a support order. Reviews are typically available every 3 years, or sooner with a substantial change in income or custody.
Read the California modification guideShared custody & parenting time
Shared-time credit begins at ~73 overnights/year, using the cross-credit method. The adjusted obligation generally cannot fall below 25% of base.
Open the California shared custody guideFrequently asked questions
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