How California calculates child support

California uses a statewide guideline calculator. The inputs are mostly: each parent's gross income, each parent's percentage of time with the child, certain deductions (health insurance, mandatory retirement, union dues), and the number of children.

You can run the calculator yourself at https://childsupport.ca.gov. The result is what the court will order, in nearly every case.

Both parents' incomes matter — even if one parent has primary custody. The result is one direction (one parent pays the other), based on the calculator output.

Custody time percentage is critical. Going from 50/50 to 60/40 changes the support amount significantly.

You can agree to a different number, but only if both parents agree AND the kids are still adequately supported. Courts won't approve waivers that leave a kid without coverage.

Child support is modifiable when circumstances change (income changes, custody changes). It's not locked forever.