Child Support Guidelines in California
The model, the factors, and the official table for California.
Reference only — no accounts, no personal data collected.California sets child support through statewide guidelines. This page explains the calculation model California uses, the factors that go into it, and where to find the official support schedule.
The Model Used in California
California uses the Income Shares model. The guideline combines both parents' incomes as if the child lived in an intact household, then splits the obligation in proportion to each parent's share of that combined income.
Factors California Considers
- Combined gross income of both parents
- Allowable deductions (taxes, prior support, other children)
- Each parent's proportional share of the combined income
- Parenting time / overnights with the child
- Work-related childcare costs
- Health insurance premiums and uninsured medical expenses
- Educational or extraordinary expenses where the guidelines allow
Base Obligation Table
The dollar amounts come from the California Child Support Schedule, published by the California Department of Child Support Services. The schedule turns the inputs above into a monthly obligation. See the official schedule on the agency site: https://childsupport.ca.gov/.
California revised its guideline in 2019 to update the cost of living and low-income adjustments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What model does California use for child support?
California uses the Income Shares model. See "The Model Used in California" above for how it works.
Does parenting time affect support in California?
Yes. California adjusts the obligation for the number of overnights the non-custodial parent has, because shared parenting lowers the custodial parent's direct costs.
Where do I find the official California support table?
The official schedule is published by the California Department of Child Support Services. A link is in the "Base Obligation Table" section above.
Is this the final amount I will pay or receive?
Not necessarily. Courts can deviate for extraordinary medical needs, private school, or travel costs. Use the official schedule or a family-law attorney for a case-specific number.