How California's Child Support Is Calculated

courtinfo.ca.gov, Nov 22, 2005

How is child support calculated?

The California Family Code (sections 4050–4076) establishes a statewide guideline for child support. The amount of child support ordered by the court depends on:
1. Number of children
2. Percentage of time each parent shares with the children
3. Income, earnings, or earning capacity of each parent
4. Tax filing status
5. Support of children from other relationships
6. Health insurance expenses
7. Mandatory union dues
8. Mandatory retirement contributions
9. Child care and uninsured health expenses

Other Factors:

The court will order that health insurance be maintained, if available, at no or reasonable cost through the employment of the parent(s). The court will also order, as additional child support, reasonable uninsured health-care costs and child-care costs related to employment or to education or training for employment. The child support order may also include the cost of travel for visitation, educational expenses, and other special needs.