Free · California · Current law
Based on California's official Income Shares formula. Enter both parents' incomes and get an estimate in under a minute.
Before taxes — wages, self-employment, bonuses
A best estimate is fine for now
Taxes, mandatory retirement, union dues…
Work or school related
Estimated monthly support
The other parent pays you, the parent with primary timesharing.
Estimate only — based on a simplified reading of California Family Code §4055 - Statewide Uniform Guideline. Official calculator → A judge can deviate. Not legal advice.
Get a plain-English copy of this estimate, the numbers used, and a short checklist for what to review before relying on it.
California uses a complex guideline formula to calculate child support: CS = K (HN – (H%)(TN)). CS is the child support amount for one child. K is a factor representing the amount of the parents' combined total income devoted to child support, calculated using a separate formula that considers net disposable income and parenting time, with stepped-up multipliers at various income levels. HN is the higher-earning parent's net monthly disposable income. H% is the approximate percentage of time the high earner has primary physical responsibility for the children. TN is the combined total net monthly disposable income of both parents. The formula aims to ensure both parents contribute to the child's support based on their income and time with the child.
A substantial change in either parent's income — voluntary or involuntary — can trigger a modification.
Changes in childcare costs or the children's health insurance premiums directly adjust the support amount.
If the custody schedule changes significantly, support can be recalculated under California guidelines.
Medical conditions, disabilities, or educational needs can justify a departure from the guideline amount.
Common questions
There is a mandatory six-month waiting period in California. The six months start from the date the respondent is served with the divorce papers. Even if you and your spouse agree on everything immediately, your divorce cannot be finalized until this period has passed.
No, you are not required to have a lawyer to get divorced in California. Many people handle their own divorces, especially if they are uncontested. The California Courts provide self-help resources and forms. However, consulting a lawyer is recommended for complex cases involving significant assets, debts, or child custody disputes.
Yes, California is a strictly no-fault divorce state. This means you do not need to prove that your spouse did something wrong (like adultery or cruelty) to get a divorce. You only need to state that there are 'irreconcilable differences' that have caused the irremediable breakdown of the marriage.
California is a community property state. This generally means that all property and debt acquired during the marriage are considered equally owned by both spouses and will be divided 50/50 upon divorce. Property acquired before the marriage or by gift/inheritance is usually considered separate property.
A Summary Dissolution is a simpler, faster way to get divorced in California for couples who meet specific criteria. To qualify, you must have been married for less than five years, have no children together, own no real estate, have limited debts and assets, and agree on how to divide your property. It involves less paperwork and court appearances.
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