Common Questions
- How does California figure out child support?
- California uses a formula that looks at both parents' income after taxes and how much time each parent spends with the children. The parent who earns more and spends less time with the children usually pays support.
- The guideline formula is CS = K × [HN − H% × TN], where K is an income-allocation factor, HN is the higher-earning parent's net monthly income, H% is their percentage of parenting time, and TN is total combined net monthly income. For multiple children, the amount is multiplied by a factor (1.6 for 2 children, 2.0 for 3, etc.).
- What counts as income?
- Almost everything: your paycheck, tips, bonuses, money from a side job, rental income, Social Security, unemployment, and more. The main things that don't count are food stamps, SSI, and TANF.
- Per Family Code §4058, gross income includes wages, salary, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, rental income, royalties, interest, dividends, capital gains, workers' compensation, unemployment, disability, Social Security, and spousal support received. Public assistance (TANF, SSI) is generally excluded.
- Does overtime count?
- Usually yes, if you regularly work overtime. If it's a one-time thing, the judge might not count it.
- What if I don't make much money?
- If the paying parent's income after taxes is below about $2,929 per month (the amount you'd earn working full-time at minimum wage), the support amount may be lower. This is called the Low-Income Adjustment.
- Per §4055(b)(7), when the monthly net disposable income of the parent paying support is below full-time CA minimum wage (~$2,929/month in 2026 at $16.90/hour), there is a rebuttable presumption that a reduced support amount applies.
- What are add-ons?
- Add-ons are extra costs on top of regular child support. The main ones are childcare (so you can work) and out-of-pocket medical expenses. These costs are split between parents based on income.
- Per §4062, mandatory add-ons include childcare for work/education and reasonable uninsured health care. Discretionary add-ons include education expenses and travel for visitation. Split by income share per §4061(b).
- Is this the official amount I'll pay?
- No. This is an estimate to help you plan. A judge or child support commissioner decides the official amount. They may set it higher or lower depending on your situation.
- What tax year does this use?
- This calculator uses 2026 tax rates.
- Is my personal information saved?
- We don't collect or store any personally identifiable information about you.
- Are you the government?
- No, we are not the government. We are a private company – separate from the Department of Child Support Services – and we do not share any of your personal information with them.
- How accurate is this?
- Very accurate. We tested our calculator against the government certified calculators and the results match within $1 for over 100 scenarios we tested. Read more about our accuracy testing.
- Where can I get help?
- Your local Family Law Facilitator can help you for free. They're available at every California courthouse. You can also contact your county's Department of Child Support Services (DCSS). Find your court's self-help center.