California Child Support Calculator
Calculate estimated child support using California's official guidelines
About California's Guidelines
Income Shares with complex time-sharing formula
Note: Uses statewide uniform guideline formula (algebraic), considers tax effects
Key Information
- •Model: Income Shares
- •Income Cap: $30,000/month combined
- •Last Updated: January 15, 2024
Common Deviation Factors
Monthly Income
Children & Custody
Additional Monthly Expenses
Estimates only — not legal advice. Consult a California family law attorney for official calculations.
Official California Court Forms
Download official court forms from the California judiciary website. These are free, legally valid forms for your family court case.
Child Support Forms
Official petitions & worksheets
Modification Forms
Request changes to orders
Financial Disclosure
Income & expense statements
Enforcement Forms
Contempt & collection
These links go to official California court websites. Forms are free and provided by the state judiciary.
California Child Support Guidelines
California uses the California Statewide Uniform Guideline (Family Code § 4050-4076) to determine child support obligations. Under the Income Shares model, both parents' incomes are combined to estimate what the family would have spent on the child if the household were intact. The obligation is then divided proportionally based on each parent's contribution to combined net income.
California has several distinctive features in its child support system. California uses an algebraic formula (CS = K[HN - (H%)(TN)]) rather than simple lookup tables — one of the most complex formulas in the country. Tax effects are built into the formula: California considers each parent's actual tax filing status and deductions. Hardship deductions are available for extraordinary health expenses, uninsured catastrophic losses, and children from other relationships.
California bases calculations on net income — meaning income after mandatory deductions like taxes, Social Security, and Medicare. This gives a more accurate picture of each parent's take-home pay. The self-support reserve in California is $1,500/month, ensuring the paying parent retains enough income to cover basic living expenses.
How California Calculates Child Support
California follows a 7-step process under the California Statewide Uniform Guideline (Family Code § 4050-4076):
- 1
Determine each parent's gross annual income from all sources
- 2
Calculate net disposable income: subtract federal and state taxes, Social Security, health insurance, mandatory retirement, and union dues
- 3
Convert to monthly net disposable income (NDI)
- 4
Determine the timeshare percentage — the fraction of time each parent has physical custody
- 5
Apply the algebraic formula: CS = K × (HN − H% × TN), where K is an income allocation factor, HN is the higher earner's NDI, H% is the higher earner's timeshare, and TN is total NDI
- 6
Add-on expenses (childcare, uninsured health costs, education, travel) are divided proportionally
- 7
Apply hardship deductions if applicable
Income Thresholds & Key Numbers in California
Maximum Income Cap
$30,000/mo
Self-Support Reserve
$1,500/mo
Federal Poverty Guideline
$1,255/mo
Shared Custody Threshold
73 nights/yr
20% of overnights
Income Basis
net
Sample Obligation Schedule
| Combined Monthly Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| $2,000 | $340 | $490 | $600 |
| $4,000 | $600 | $870 | $1,065 |
| $6,000 | $830 | $1,210 | $1,480 |
| $10,000 | $1,250 | $1,830 | $2,240 |
| $15,000 | $1,700 | $2,490 | $3,050 |
| $20,000 | $2,100 | $3,080 | $3,770 |
* Simplified schedule. Actual amounts may vary based on additional factors.
Custody Time Adjustments in California
California recognizes "Timeshare Adjustment" when the non-custodial parent has the children for at least 73 overnights per year (approximately 20% of the time). When this threshold is met, the standard child support formula is adjusted to reflect the increased direct expenses borne by both parents.
Under California's Income Shares approach, the shared parenting adjustment typically calculates each parent's obligation based on their income share, then applies a credit or cross-calculation that accounts for the time each parent directly supports the child. The more overnights the non-custodial parent has, the greater the reduction in their payment — but the adjustment is not dollar-for-dollar because fixed costs like housing don't decrease when the child is away.
Below 73 overnights, California generally treats the arrangement as a sole custody situation with standard visitation, and no custody time adjustment is applied to the child support calculation.
Frequently Asked Questions About California Child Support
How does California's algebraic formula work?
What is the income cap in California?
Does California consider both parents' income?
What are hardship deductions in California?
How to Reduce Child Support Costs in California
While child support is determined by California's guidelines, there are legitimate ways to ensure your obligation is calculated fairly.
Increase Parenting Time
In California, more overnights with your children can reduce your support obligation. Document actual time spent and request a formal custody modification if needed.
Ensure Accurate Income Reporting
Both parents' incomes must be reported accurately. Verify that bonuses, overtime, and variable income are averaged correctly over the appropriate period.
Claim All Allowable Deductions
California allows deductions for items like mandatory retirement contributions, union dues, and health insurance premiums. Make sure all qualifying deductions are included.
Request a Modification When Eligible
If your income has decreased by 15-25% or more, you may qualify for a modification. File promptly — changes are typically not retroactive before the filing date.
Account for Other Children
If you have other children you're legally obligated to support, this can be factored into the calculation as a deduction in most states.
Review Healthcare & Childcare Costs
Ensure shared expenses like health insurance and childcare are divided proportionally. If costs have changed, update the court.
Key Facts About Child Support in California
Calculation Model
Income Shares
Guidelines Source
State Statute
Review Frequency
Every 4 Years
Income Cap
$30,000/mo
Last Updated
January 15, 2024
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