California Child Support Calculations

California courts use several criteria to make an appropriate determination for child support during a child support hearing. Below are some factors that are considered in a California child support case:

Determining Child Support in California:

Courts in California calculate child support based on the income of both parents and other factors that include:

Source of Income

• Dividends
• Alimony
• Commissions
• Wages
• Overtime
• Salaries
• Unemployment benefits
• Workers’ compensation benefits

Factors Considered

• The level of responsibility of a parent to their child
• Interests the child has
• Standard of living of the child
• Custody arrangements
• Monetary needs of the child
• Other relevant factors
• Add a child to the parent’s health care coverage – If a non-custodial parent has access to health insurance, a California court may expect a parent to contribute.
• Contribute to large health care expenses

Click here to view the California Child Support Calculator. It is based on California Child Support Guidelines and can be used to estimate the amount of child support that may be ordered on your case. However, it is important to keep in mind that these are just guidelines.  Actual determination of child support can be made more accurately by consulting with an experienced child support attorney.