Basic Calculation
Advanced Options
Parent A (Primary)
Parent B (Non-Primary)
Child Support Calculation Results
Monthly Child Support
$987
Parent B pays Parent A
Annual Total
$11,844
Calculation Breakdown
Net Monthly Disposable Income
Parent A
$3,850
Parent B
$3,200
Parenting Time Adjustment
Parent A
80%
Parent B
20%
Total Child Support Obligation
$1,750
Each Parent's Share
Parent A
Parent B
Support Visualization
Understanding California Child Support Guidelines
California uses a complex mathematical formula known as the "guideline calculation" to determine child support amounts. This formula, established under Family Code Section 4055, takes into account several factors:
Income of Both Parents
Gross and net income from all sources, including wages, self-employment, investments, and benefits.
Parenting Time
The percentage of time each parent spends with the children, often called "timeshare" or "visitation."
Number of Children
The calculation adjusts based on how many children require support.
Tax Filing Status
How each parent files taxes and what deductions they can claim.
Health Insurance & Childcare
Costs for children's health insurance, childcare, and other necessary expenses.
Other Support Obligations
Existing child or spousal support from other relationships.
How to Use the Child Support Calculator
1
Enter Income Information
Input accurate monthly gross income for both parents, including wages, self-employment, bonuses, and other sources of income.
2
Add Deductions & Expenses
Include health insurance costs, mandatory retirement contributions, union dues, and other allowable deductions.
3
Set Parenting Time
Adjust the percentage of time the children spend with each parent, as this significantly impacts the support calculation.
4
Include Additional Expenses
Add childcare costs, educational expenses, and any extraordinary healthcare needs in the Advanced Options tab.
Factors That Affect Child Support in Sacramento
Changes in Employment
Job loss, promotions, career changes, or shifts from W-2 to self-employment can all trigger modifications to child support orders in Sacramento County.
Custody Arrangements
Significant changes to the parenting time schedule can substantially impact support calculations, as California places heavy emphasis on timeshare percentages.
Additional Children
Having children in new relationships can affect support obligations through hardship deductions, potentially reducing the amount owed for existing orders.
Educational Needs
Special educational requirements, private school tuition, or college expenses may be considered in Sacramento courts when determining support beyond the guideline amount.
Health Considerations
Children with special healthcare needs or parents with disabilities may receive special consideration in Sacramento family courts.
Judicial Discretion
Sacramento judges can deviate from guideline calculations when they determine that following the formula would be unjust or inappropriate in specific circumstances.
Advanced Features for Complex Situations
Income Fluctuation Analysis
Our calculator can account for seasonal or irregular income patterns common among Sacramento's state workers, agricultural employees, and self-employed individuals.
Multiple Timeshare Schedules
Compare different custody arrangements to see how various parenting schedules impact your support obligation before finalizing your parenting plan.
Tax Impact Estimation
See how different tax filing statuses and dependency exemptions affect your net income and resulting child support calculation.
Multiple Support Orders
Account for existing child or spousal support obligations from previous relationships that may affect available income for current calculations.
Hardship Deduction Calculator
Determine if you qualify for hardship deductions based on extraordinary health expenses, uninsured catastrophic losses, or support for other children.
Arrears Calculation
Estimate past-due support amounts with interest calculations based on California's statutory interest rate for child support arrears.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is this Sacramento child support calculator?
Our calculator uses the same algebraic formula specified in California Family Code Section 4055, which is the basis for the California Department of Child Support Services' official calculations. While extremely accurate when provided with correct information, the final court-ordered amount may differ based on judicial discretion, additional factors, or specific circumstances of your case. We recommend using this as an estimation tool and consulting with a family law attorney for definitive guidance.
Can I modify my existing Sacramento child support order?
Yes, child support orders in Sacramento can be modified when there is a "change in circumstances" since the last order was established. Significant changes in income, parenting time, employment status, or the needs of the children may justify a modification. You can use our calculator to estimate what the new support amount might be, then file a Request for Order with the Sacramento County Family Court to formally request the change.
How does Sacramento County handle self-employment income?
Sacramento courts typically look at tax returns, profit and loss statements, and business records to determine self-employment income. Unlike W-2 income, self-employment often involves legitimate business deductions that reduce taxable income. However, the court may "add back" certain deductions for support calculation purposes if they represent personal benefits or discretionary expenses. Our calculator allows you to input net self-employment income after necessary business expenses but before personal deductions.
What if the other parent is intentionally unemployed or underemployed?
Sacramento courts can impute income to a parent who is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, essentially calculating support based on what they could earn rather than what they actually earn. This requires evidence of their earning capacity, opportunity to work, and ability to obtain employment. Our calculator allows you to input imputed income in these situations, but be aware that proving intentional underemployment in court requires substantial evidence.
How are childcare costs handled in Sacramento support calculations?
In Sacramento County, work-related childcare costs are typically shared proportionally to each parent's income. For example, if Parent A earns 60% of the combined income, they would be responsible for 60% of the childcare costs. Our calculator automatically factors this proportional sharing into the final support amount. Only childcare costs necessary for employment or education that leads to employment are generally included.
Tips for Managing Child Support Payments
01
Use Direct Deposit
Set up automatic payments through the Sacramento Department of Child Support Services to ensure timely, documented transfers that prevent disputes.
02
Keep Detailed Records
Maintain documentation of all payments made, including dates, amounts, and methods of payment, especially for any payments made outside the official system.
03
Communicate Changes Promptly
Notify the other parent and potentially the court about significant changes in income or circumstances that might affect support obligations.
04
Review Orders Periodically
Reassess your support calculation every 2-3 years or after major life changes to ensure it remains appropriate for your current situation.
05
Understand Tax Implications
Be aware that child support payments are not tax-deductible for the payer and not taxable income for the recipient under current tax laws.
06
Consider a Stipulation
If both parents agree on a support amount, you can file a stipulation with the Sacramento court, potentially avoiding a formal hearing.
Planning Your Financial Future with Confidence
Child support calculations in Sacramento don't have to be overwhelming or confusing. With our premium calculator, you can approach your family's financial planning with clarity and confidence. Whether you're establishing an initial support order, considering a modification, or simply planning your budget, having accurate estimates empowers you to make informed decisions.
Remember that while our calculator provides highly accurate estimates based on California's guidelines, every family situation is unique. The Sacramento family court system recognizes this and allows for adjustments when appropriate. We encourage you to use this tool as a starting point for discussions with your co-parent and as preparation for consultations with legal professionals.
