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