Child support calculations in California are governed by the Guideline Calculation Formula in most situations. The formula accounts for:
- The time that each parent has the child in their custody and control
- Gross income of each parent
- Tax filing status of each parent
- Child care costs
- Other mandatory expenses such as health insurance costs, union dues, and support of other children
Expenses such as car payments, groceries, credit card payments, and rent or mortgage are not covered by the Guideline Calculation.
