1 Child
~20%
of income
Data updated May 2026
2023 guideline data Income Shares model OCSE FY2023 source
California Child Support Guidelines
California runs the Income Shares model, counting income up to $30,000/mo and a parenting-time credit - see the base percentages and OCSE FY2023 enforcement figures below.
By PlainChildSupport Editorial · · Source: California Revised Statutes · Last updated: 2023
Income Shares
2 Children
~30%
of income
3 Children
~38%
of income
4 Children
~42%
of income
Income Cap
$30,000
per month
Child Support Snapshot: California
California operates under the Income Shares model, one of 43 U.S. states using this framework. For a parent supporting one child, the base guideline applies roughly 20% of income, scaling to 30% for two children and 38% for three. That places California at rank #4 of 51 states by single-child base percentage. The state caps countable income at $30,000 per month, meaning earnings above that threshold fall to judicial discretion rather than the formula. Median household income here runs $84,097/yr.
California ranks #21 of 51 reporting states on OCSE collection efficiency and #1 by caseload volume, see the case counts, collection rate, and paternity-establishment figures in the enforcement breakdown below.
California allows a parenting time adjustment, which can materially reduce the base obligation when the non-custodial parent exercises substantial overnight time. A percentage figure alone doesn't determine the dollar amount, see how California compares to other guideline models →
How California Calculates Child Support
California uses the Income Shares model. Both parents' incomes are combined, the total obligation is looked up from a schedule, then split proportionally based on each parent's income share. Its one-child base rate is in line with the national middle range.
Complex algebraic formula: CS = K[HN - (H%)(TN)]. Considers both incomes, timeshare percentage, and allowable deductions. No simple fixed schedule.
Guideline Details
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Formula Model | Income Shares |
| Income Floor | None |
| Income Ceiling | $30,000/mo combined |
| Parenting Time Adjustment | Available |
| Median Household Income | $84,097/yr |
| Single-Child Base | 20% (rank #4 of 51) |
Disclaimer: This page provides estimates for informational purposes only. Actual child support amounts may differ based on judicial discretion, deviation factors, and current California guidelines. Consult a family law attorney in California for legal advice.
California Child Support Enforcement
1,570,000
Active Cases
$3,200M
Annual Collections
62.4%
Collection Rate
72.5%
Cases with Orders
96.3%
Paternity Established
California vs national average (51 reporting states)
Collection rate 62.4%
national
62.4% of assessed support collected; national average 60.6%.
Paternity established 96.3%
national
96.3% of cases have legal parentage established; national average 94.9%.
Cases with orders 72.5%
72.5% of the caseload has a formal child support order in place.
Source: OCSE FY2023 preliminary report OCSE FY2023 preliminary report
Calculate California Child Support
Our interactive calculator uses California's formula with your specific income and parenting time inputs.
Open California CalculatorOther Income Shares States
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of income goes to child support in California?
In California, approximate guideline percentages are 20% for 1 child, 30% for 2 children, 38% for 3 children, and 42% for 4 children. Actual amounts depend on the income level and any applicable deviation factors.
Does parenting time affect child support in California?
Yes. California provides a parenting time adjustment when the non-custodial parent exercises significant overnight time (typically 40% or more). This credit reduces the base child support obligation proportionally.
Is the California child support calculator on this site accurate?
Our calculator uses California's published guideline percentages and the Income Shares formula to produce estimates. Actual court-ordered amounts may differ based on allowable deductions, judicial discretion, and deviation factors. Always consult a family law attorney or use the official California calculator for binding figures.
Every figure on PlainChildSupport is rendered directly from official state guidelines and federal enforcement data, no number is typed in by an editor. This page draws directly on official state guidelines and federal enforcement data, no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
Data sources
Data sourced from official federal and state child-support agency records (NCSL, state statutes, ACS). See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainChildSupport Editorial
