The courts use a standard formula to calculate what amount should be paid. Each spouse will be required to complete an Income and Expense Declaration, under penalty of perjury, detailing their current income and expenses. This information is then imputed into a computer program (DissoMster) to determine support. California courts have ample discretion when ordering child support, and are able to order an amount that is different than what is generated from the computer report when looking at all the factors of the parties.

The factors for child support include:

• The amount of money/income each parent earns or is capable of earning.
• The number of children the parents have together.
• The amount of time each parent spends with their children in the form of a percentage.
• The tax filing status of each individual parent.
  
• Expenses related to health and life insurance.
  
• Required union dues.
• Financial support of children from other relationships or marriages.
• Mandatory retirement contributions.
• Necessary job related expenses.
• The cost of regular daycare service.
• Necessary traveling for visitation from one parent to the other.
• Unreimbursed educational and/or medical expenses.
• Special needs related to physical or mental disabilities.
• and more…