How is child support calculated?
California uses a statewide formula for determining the amount of child support. This formula is known as “guideline support.” The guideline calculation is based on a number of factors, including:
- The number of children
- How much income the parents earn or can earn
- The amount of time each parent spends with their children
- The tax-filing status of each parent
- Health insurance expenses
- Union dues and mandatory retirement contributions
- Tax deductions that the parties receive via contributions to mortgage payments and 401(k) accounts