California Statutory Child Support Calculator
California calculates statutory child support using a precise algebraic formula: CS = K[HN - (H%)(TN)]. Support is determined by parents’ net disposable incomes, the higher earner’s percentage of physical custody (H%), and statutory multi-child multipliers. Official statutory authority: Cal. Fam. Code § 4055 & § 4057.
Statutory Case Parameters
California (CA)Consult a Local Family Law Attorney to Review Deviation Factors
Judges in California routinely depart from statutory guideline math when specific deviation factors exist (unusual travel costs for visitation, private school tuition, extraordinary medical needs, or dual-household expenses).
- ■Evaluate discretionary deviation thresholds for your specific judge
- ■Verify allowable self-employment deductions & net resource offsets
- ■Draft enforceable court-ready stipulations without trial delay
Confidential inquiry. No attorney-client relationship is formed until a formal retainer agreement is executed with licensed counsel.
California Legal Mechanics & Court Standards
Legislative Formula & Terminology
CS = K * [HN - (H% * TN)] where HN is high earner net income, TN is total net income, H% is the time high earner exercises custody, and K is the statutory child support allocation factor.
- Custodial Parent Term: Parent with Primary Custody (Obligee)
- Obligor Parent Term: Support Obligor
- Shared Custody Regime: Joint Physical Custody / Shared Timeshare
- Official Court Form: Child Support Information and Order Attachment (FL-342)
Key Statutory Thresholds (2024/2025)
California Child Support Guidelines FAQ
How does California calculate child support in 50/50 custody?
Under California Family Code § 4055, when parents share equal timeshare (H% = 50%), the formula CS = K[HN - (0.50 * TN)] applies. If parents earn unequal incomes, the higher-earning parent still pays guideline support to ensure the child experiences an equitable standard of living in both households.
What is the California Low-Income Adjustment (LIA)?
If the paying parent’s net monthly disposable income is under the statutory threshold (approximately $2,070/month), California law provides a rebuttable presumption that the parent is entitled to a low-income adjustment, reducing the calculated obligation.
How does California treat extraordinarily high earners?
Under Family Code § 4057(b)(3), if the obligor has an extraordinarily high income where the guideline formula yields an amount exceeding the child’s reasonable developmental needs, the court has discretion to deviate downward from the guideline formula.
Are health insurance and child care expenses factored in?
Yes. Mandatory add-on expenses under Family Code § 4062 (such as employment-related child care and uninsured medical costs) are allocated equally (50/50) between parents unless the court finds that allocation inequitable based on income share.