Law AgreementsCalifornia Child Support Calculator
Calculate estimated child support using California's complex algebraic guideline formula. California considers both parents' net disposable incomes, the percentage of time each parent has custody, and additional child-related expenses.
Basic Info
Your Role
Select your role in this custody arrangement.
Children
Estimated Monthly Support
$0/month
Payable by: Non-Custodial Parent
Calculation Breakdown
Important Disclaimers:
- This is an estimate only based on standard state guidelines
- Actual support is determined by the court
- Judges have discretion to deviate from guidelines
- Does not account for all possible factors
Why Use Our California Calculator?
How California Calculates Child Support
California uses one of the most complex child support formulas in the nation, expressed as CS = K[HN - (H%)(TN)]. The calculation begins by determining each parent's net monthly disposable income, which includes all income minus taxes, mandatory deductions, and certain expenses. The K factor represents the portion of combined income allocated for child support and varies based on the number of children and total income. The formula then considers who the higher earner is, their percentage of custodial time, and the total net income. California courts typically use specialized software like DissoMaster to compute the exact amount, but the underlying formula provides the guideline amount.
California K Factor Values
The K factor in the California formula determines the percentage of combined parental income allocated to child support. For one child, K is typically 25% of net income; for two children, approximately 40%; for three children, about 50%. The exact K value depends on total income levels, with adjustments for low-income situations. At higher income levels, the K factor percentage decreases slightly to prevent excessive support amounts. The K factor ensures that children receive an appropriate proportion of their parents' combined income regardless of which parent has primary custody.
Deviations from California Guidelines
California courts may deviate from the guideline amount in limited circumstances. A parent requesting deviation must show that applying the formula would be unjust or inappropriate. Factors courts consider include the high income of a parent making the formula amount exceed the child's reasonable needs, cases where a parent is not contributing to the child's needs commensurate with their time, extraordinary healthcare or educational expenses, and situations where the child has special needs. Any deviation must include a written finding explaining why the guideline amount was inappropriate.
Other State Calculators
Texas Child Support Calculator
Calculate estimated child support payments using the Texas Percentage of Income guidelines. Texas applies a flat percentage to the non-custodial parent's net resources based on the number of children.
Florida Child Support Calculator
Calculate estimated child support payments using Florida's Income Shares model. Florida considers both parents' incomes, the number of overnight stays, and additional child-related expenses.
Illinois Child Support Calculator
Calculate estimated child support using Illinois' Income Shares model. Illinois considers both parents' net incomes and adjusts for shared parenting time when the non-custodial parent has more than 146 overnights per year.
Ohio Child Support Calculator
Calculate estimated child support using Ohio's Income Shares model. Ohio considers both parents' gross incomes, the basic child support schedule, and adjustments for healthcare, childcare, and parenting time.
Frequently Asked Questions
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