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California Child Support Calculator
Parents' incomes & time
Example: $6,000 + $4,000 incomes, 2 children, 20% time with Parent 1 → $1,120/month from Parent 1 to Parent 2.
Behind the numbers
How California child support is calculated
California courts use a statewide guideline formula (often run through the DissoMaster program) based on each parent's net income, the number of children, and the percentage of time the children spend with each parent. This calculator uses a simplified version of that income-shares idea so the math is transparent: it adds both parents' net monthly incomes, works out a basic support amount for the children, splits that amount in proportion to income, and then gives a credit for the time each parent cares for the children directly. A court can order a different amount, for example when there are special expenses, high medical costs, or a very high income, so treat the result as a planning estimate only.
Combined net income is $6,000 + $4,000 = $10,000. For 2 children the basic amount is 20% for 1 child, 28% for 2 children, 36% for 3 children, and 40% for 4 or more, so $10,000 × 28% = $2,800. Parent 1 earns 60% of the combined income, so Parent 1's share is $2,800 × 60% = $1,680. Parent 1 cares for the children 20% of the time, a direct-care credit of $2,800 × 20% = $560. Payment = $1,680 − $560 = $1,120 per month. Parent 2's side checks out exactly: a $1,120 share minus $2,240 of direct care leaves −$1,120, the amount Parent 2 receives.
Examples
Example results
| Children | Parent 1 / Parent 2 income | Time with Parent 1 | Monthly payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5,000 / $3,000 | 20% | $680 |
| 2 | $6,000 / $4,000 | 20% | $1,120 |
| 3 | $7,000 / $5,000 | 30% | $1,224 |
| 1 | $4,000 / $2,000 | 50% | $200 |
Tips
Use net income after taxes and mandatory deductions, not gross pay, because the California guideline is based on net income.
Count time as the actual percentage of overnights and days the children spend with each parent, not a rough guess.
Add childcare, health insurance, and uninsured medical costs separately — they are often divided between parents on top of basic support.
If either parent's income changes a lot, or the time split changes, run the numbers again before agreeing to a new amount.
A family law attorney or the local child support agency can run the official guideline calculation for a court filing.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Is this the official California guideline amount?
No. This is a simplified estimate that follows the same income-shares idea as the California guideline. The official calculation uses the full guideline formula with a K factor and other adjustments, so a court order can differ from this result.
What counts as net income?
Income after federal and state taxes, Social Security, mandatory retirement contributions, and other required deductions. It can also include overtime, bonuses, and self-employment income, averaged over a fair period.
Does more time with a parent lower the payment?
Yes, in general. Time spent caring for the children counts as support provided directly, so a parent who has the children more often usually pays less cash support, or receives support if the balance tips the other way.
Does this calculator give legal advice?
No. It gives a 2026 estimate for planning only. Child support orders are set by a court or by agreement, and only a licensed California family law attorney can advise on your case.