Child support is determined using guidelines established by California law. Child support amounts are based on each parent’s monthly income and the amount of time the child is cared for by each parent.
The Court Commissioner or Family Law Judge will set the amount of a Child Support Order. The Court will consider income from all sources. The income can be in the form of money, property, or services and can include:
- Wages from a job
- Tips
- Commissions
- Bonuses
- Self-employment earnings
- Unemployment benefits
- Disability and workers’ compensation
- Interest
- Dividends
- Rental income
- Social Security or pensions
- Any payments or credits due or becoming due, regardless of the source, including lottery and prize winnings.
For more information, see the California Guideline Child Support Calculator.
If you have any questions about the child support guidelines, you should talk with a lawyer, contact a Family Law Facilitator, or call your LCSA at 1-866-901-3212. LCSA employees can give you general information, but cannot give you legal advice.