How child support is calculated in California

What decides the amount, where to get the real number, and the extra rules.

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

California uses the income-shares model: both parents' incomes count, and each parent pays a share of the child's support. California uses its own statewide formula based on both parents' monthly net income (after taxes and allowed deductions) and the share of time each parent has the children.

Model
Income shares
Official calculator
Official California child support calculator

Get the number from California's official tool

California uses its own statewide formula based on both parents' monthly net income (after taxes and allowed deductions) and the share of time each parent has the children. Child care and uninsured health costs can be added and shared between the parents.

Law: Cal. Fam. Code 4050-4076 (statewide uniform guideline), as amended by SB 343 (Stats. 2023, ch. 213)

We don't estimate California's amount here: its formula uses both parents' incomes and other facts, and a home-made number could mislead you. The official tool gives the real starting number:

Official California child support calculator

If the paying parent earns little in California

A low-income adjustment can lower support when the paying parent's net income is less than what a full-time minimum-wage job pays. Since January 1, 2026, courts must base orders on a parent's actual income or earning capacity using listed factors instead of a 'presumed income' figure.

Law: SB 343, effective September 1, 2024

State guidelines may not treat time in jail or prison as choosing not to work, when support is set or changed.

Law: 45 CFR 302.56(c)(3)

The model in plain words

In an income-shares state, both parents' incomes are added together. A table gives the support for that combined income, and each parent pays the share that matches their part of the income.

Every state must have one set of child support guidelines, review them at least every 4 years, and use the guideline amount unless a written finding says it would be unjust.

Law: 45 CFR 302.56

The California guideline, step by step

California uses its own statewide formula based on both parents' monthly net income (after taxes and allowed deductions) and the share of time each parent has the children. Child care and uninsured health costs can be added and shared between the parents.

Law: Cal. Fam. Code 4050-4076 (statewide uniform guideline), as amended by SB 343 (Stats. 2023, ch. 213)

The child's health costs in California

The LCSA asks the court for medical support in every case. Court-ordered health insurance must be used first. Uninsured health care costs are split as the order says: give the other parent an itemized bill within 90 days of getting it.

Source: Notice FL-192

In nearby states

From income to an order in California

  1. Gather income papers

    The formula needs each parent's income: use pay stubs and tax returns.

  2. Use the official tool

    Get the guideline amount from Official California child support calculator.

  3. Add the extra costs

    Insurance and child care often go on top of the basic amount.

  4. Ask for an order

    To get an order, contact California Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) (1-866-901-3212) · Apply online

Where to get free help in California

Questions about the California guidelines

How does California figure child support?

California uses its own statewide formula based on both parents' monthly net income (after taxes and allowed deductions) and the share of time each parent has the children. Child care and uninsured health costs can be added and shared between the parents.

Does California have an online support calculator?

Yes: Official California child support calculator.

How does California treat low incomes?

A low-income adjustment can lower support when the paying parent's net income is less than what a full-time minimum-wage job pays. Since January 1, 2026, courts must base orders on a parent's actual income or earning capacity using listed factors instead of a 'presumed income' figure.

How are medical costs shared in California?

The LCSA asks the court for medical support in every case. Court-ordered health insurance must be used first. Uninsured health care costs are split as the order says: give the other parent an itemized bill within 90 days of getting it.

Keep reading about California

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources