Calculating Child Support

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• How is income used in the calculation?

  The guideline formula uses both parents’ average after-tax income. Income is money from almost any source including, but not limited to:

  • Wages (including tips, bonuses, commissions)
  • Self-employment
  • Unemployment benefits
  • Certain disability benefits
  • Worker's Compensation
  • Interest income on savings accounts and other investments
  • The judge may impute income to either parent. Imputed income is the amount of money a parent is able to earn, instead of the parent’s actual income.

  The following are deducted from earnings:

  • Taxes
  • Mandatory union dues and retirement contributions
  • Health insurance
  • Child and spousal support ordered and being paid

  The court may allow deductions such as:

  • Job-related expenses
  • Extraordinary health expenses
  • Uninsured major losses
  • Expenses of either parent’s other child(ren)

   

• How does visitation affect the calculation?

  Time the child spends with each parent is a factor used to calculate child support. DCSS considers the actual amount of time spent with each parent rather than the amount of time granted in a custody and visitation or other court-orders. This ensures that child support orders are right-sized for the current circumstances and needs of the parties.

  When the amount of time spent with either parent changes, that information should be reported to DCSS as a change in circumstance.

• How is the amount of child support determined?

  Child support is determined using guidelines established by California law. The most important factors are:

  • each parent's monthly income
  • the amount of time the child spends with each parent.
• How can I get my child support amount changed?

  Contact DCSS to request the order be reviewed for a modification. Either parent can request a modification review.