California Child Support Calculator
Estimate child support under California Family Code § 4055 (Statewide Uniform Guideline). Calculate baseline support, parenting time overnights, health insurance credits, and work-related childcare costs.
1. Enter Case Information
CA RulesEstimated Child Support
CA EstimateUnderstanding California Child Support Guidelines
California employs an algebraic algebraic formula under Family Code § 4055: CS = K[HN - (H%)(TN)], incorporating both parents' net monthly disposable incomes and exact visitation percentage (H%).
Shared Custody & Overnights in California
Every percentage point of timeshare (H%) directly reduces the child support obligation under the California uniform guideline formula, unlike states that only grant reductions past strict overnight cliffs.
Calculate Your Exact Overnights →Official Court Worksheets & Forms
Family court filings in California require completing: Forms FL-150 (Income and Expense Declaration) and FL-350 (Stipulation to Establish or Modify Child Support). Review official forms before filing.
View State Worksheets Directory →Worked Calculation Example: Standard California Scenario
Here is a realistic line-by-line computation for two parents in California raising 1 children:
| Guideline Worksheet Line Item | Parent A (Paying) | Parent B (Receiving) | Combined / Order Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Guideline Income | $7500 | $4500 | $12.000 |
| Parental Income Proportion | 62% | 38% | 100% |
| Basic Child Support Schedule Obligation | - | - | $1210 /mo |
| Work-Related Childcare Cost | - | - | +$600 /mo |
| Health & Dental Insurance Premium | - | - | +$250 /mo |
| Total Combined Child Financial Needs | - | - | $2060 /mo |
| Final Estimated Monthly Support Order | Paid by Parent A to Parent B | $1140 /month | |
Frequently Asked Questions in California
Key legal questions regarding child support establishment, modifications, and enforcement in California.
How does California calculate net disposable income?
California begins with gross monthly income from all sources and deducts state and federal income taxes, FICA/Medicare, mandatory union dues, health insurance premiums, and hardship deductions for other biological children.
What does H% mean in California child support?
H% represents the approximate percentage of time the higher earner has primary physical responsibility for the children. Timeshare directly scales the guideline amount in every case.
What are mandatory vs discretionary add-ons in California?
Under Family Code § 4062, child-care costs related to employment/education and reasonable uninsured health-care costs are mandatory 50/50 add-ons. Educational or special enrichment expenses are discretionary.
Next Useful Steps for Your Case
Take the next step in preparing your family financial documentation:
Convert Irregular Income
Standardize hourly wages, seasonal overtime, or commissions into monthly gross figures.
Launch Income Tool →Explore 50/50 Custody
See how equal time sharing and reciprocal guidelines impact final transfer payments.
50/50 Custody Tool →Download Official Worksheets
Find the exact PDF court forms and financial affidavits required by your court clerk.
Court Worksheets Directory →