How it works · official guideline
How child support is calculated in California
California courts set child support with the statewide guideline in the Family Code, a standardized formula that looks at how much each parent earns, how they file taxes and how much time each spends with the children. The Judicial Council certifies calculators that apply it, and the state child support agency’s free Guideline Calculator is required in local child support agency cases.[1]
California’s model
Not verified yet
Official calculator · California Department of Child Support Services
California Child Support Guideline CalculatorLink checked October 26, 2026
Why no calculator here? We publish a calculator only after it reproduces the state’s official numbers exactly. We haven’t matched California’s yet, so use the official calculator for a number.
From the official text
The rules behind California’s numbers
The guideline is California child support guideline (Fam. Code § 4050 et seq.) as described by the Judicial Branch of California, Guideline Support Calculators. Open each rule to read the exact words.
- Income counted
Each parent’s income, tax filing and time with the children
The guideline looks at each parent’s earnings, how each files taxes, how much time each spends with the children, and other factors.[2]
Official text · Child Support
“The guideline looks at: How much money each parent makes How they file taxes How much time they spend with the children Other factors”
- Low income
Low-income adjustment presumed when obligor’s net income is below full-time minimum wage
A paying parent whose monthly net disposable income is below full-time California minimum wage is presumed entitled to a low-income adjustment, which lowers the guideline amount; since Sept. 1, 2024 the threshold is full-time minimum wage (40 hours a week, 52 weeks).[1]
Official text · Guideline Support Calculators (Judicial Branch of California), citing Fam. Code § 4055(b)(7)
“Family Code section 4055(b)(7) creates a rebuttable presumption that the obligor is entitled to a low-income adjustment (LIA) in all cases in which the net disposable income per month of the obligor is less than full-time minimum wage in California.”
- Departing from the guideline
Only Judicial Council–certified calculators; DCSS calculator required in IV-D cases
The Judicial Council certifies support calculators; in cases where the local child support agency provides services, only the California Child Support Guideline Calculator may be used.[1]
Official text · Guideline Support Calculators (Judicial Branch of California), citing Cal. Rules of Court, rule 5.275(j)
“California Rule of Court 5.275(j) requires that only one program, the California Child Support Guideline Calculator, can be used in Title IV-D proceedings (cases where the local child support agency provides services).”
Guideline: California child support guideline (Fam. Code § 4050 et seq.) as described by the Judicial Branch of California, Guideline Support Calculators, checked October 26, 2026.
Estimate and general information only — not legal advice. MediationList is a directory, not a law firm, and doesn’t endorse any mediator. Guidelines change; confirm with the official calculator (sources checked October 26, 2026). See also divorce laws in California and child support in every state.
Sources
California’s child support guideline, rules and official tools, read on the official sites, with the date we checked each.