State of California
Income Shares Model & Advanced Family Law Calculators
California uses the sophisticated Income Shares model for child support with recent SB 343 updates. Our calculators provide accurate estimates for both child support and spousal support based on current California Family Code.
Income Shares model considers both parents' combined income with complex K-factor calculations (SB 343 updated)
Temporary spousal support uses county-specific formulas (Santa Clara 40%-50%, Alameda variations)
Permanent spousal support requires detailed Family Code § 4320 factor analysis and judicial discretion
California Calculator Tools
California Income Shares Model (SB 343 Updated)
Combine Both Incomes
Calculate both parents' net disposable income using CA-specific deductions
Apply Guideline Table
Use combined income and children count to find basic support amount
Calculate K-Factor
Apply complex K-factor formula for income allocation and time-share adjustments
Add-On Adjustments
Include health insurance, childcare, and extraordinary expenses
Updated Cost Data
Revised guideline table based on current child-rearing costs and inflation
Improved K-Factor Formula
Enhanced calculations for high-income families and complex time-sharing arrangements
Better Add-On Integration
Streamlined handling of health insurance, childcare, and special needs expenses
California Spousal Support Guidelines
Santa Clara Formula (Most Common)
40% of payor's net disposable income minus 50% of payee's net disposable income
Alameda County Modifications
Adjusted formulas when child support is also ordered, typically reducing spousal support percentages
Real California Calculation Examples
Calculation Steps:
• Combined NDI: $12,000
• Guideline amount (2 children): $2,880
• K-factor adjustment: -$432
• Final support: $2,448/month
Parent A NDI: $8,000/month (67%)
Parent B NDI: $4,000/month (33%)
Time-share: A has 30%, B has 70%
Basic Support Obligation: $2,880
A's Share: $1,930 (67% × $2,880)
Credit for Time: -$864 (30% × $2,880)
Net Payment A→B: $1,066/month
Santa Clara Formula:
• Higher earner NDI: $10,000
• Lower earner NDI: $2,000
• Calculation: ($10,000 × 40%) - ($2,000 × 50%)
• Temporary support: $3,000/month
Marriage Duration: 15 years (long-term)
Support Type: Temporary pending trial
Formula Used: Santa Clara County guideline
Post-Support Income Balance: $7,000 vs $5,000
California Family Law Guide & Resources
- • Income Shares model & SB 343
- • County-specific formulas
- • Family Code § 4320 factors
- • 2024 law updates
- • California Family Code § 4055
- • Family Code § 4320 factors
- • Court forms and procedures
- • DissoMaster/XSpouse systems
- • Board-certified family lawyers
- • Local attorney directories
- • Consultation guidance
- • Legal aid resources
California Family Court System
Los Angeles: Stanley Mosk Courthouse
San Francisco: Civic Center Courthouse
San Diego: Hall of Justice
Orange County: Central Justice Center
Santa Clara: Family Justice Center
California Courts: Official self-help center
Legal Aid Society: Low-income assistance
Family Law Facilitator: Court-based help
Mediation Services: Alternative dispute resolution
FL-100: Petition for Dissolution
FL-150: Income and Expense Declaration
FL-155: Financial Statement (Simplified)
FL-342: Child Support Information
FL-180: Final Judgment
California Family Law Resources
- • SB 343 legislative updates
- • Complex K-factor calculations
- • Variable income averaging
- • Add-on cost allocation
- • County formula variations
- • Family Code § 4320 factors
- • Duration determinations
- • Modification guidelines
California Family Law Calculator FAQ
How does California calculate child support 2024 with SB 343 updates?
California child support calculation 2024 uses the Income Shares model with SB 343 legislative updates. The process involves calculating combined Net Disposable Income (NDI), applying the K-factor formula based on time-sharing percentages, and adding proportional shares of extraordinary expenses. SB 343 enhanced accuracy for high-income families and improved add-on cost allocation methods.
What is the California K-factor formula and how does it work?
The California K-factor formula integrates time-sharing percentages with income levels to determine basic child support obligations under the Income Shares model. It considers both parents' time with the child and their respective incomes to calculate each parent's proportional responsibility. The K-factor varies based on combined income bands, with SB 343 introducing more precise calculations for families earning above $10,000/month combined.
How does California spousal support differ from child support calculations?
California spousal support and child support use different calculation methods. Child support follows the Income Shares model with specific formulas, while spousal support uses county-specific guidelines for temporary support and Family Code § 4320 factor analysis for permanent awards. Spousal support considers marriage duration, standard of living, and earning capacity, whereas child support focuses primarily on income and time-sharing arrangements.
What county formulas does California use for temporary spousal support?
California counties use varying formulas for temporary spousal support (pendente lite). Santa Clara County uses 40% of higher earner's NDI minus 50% of lower earner's NDI. Los Angeles County applies 20-40% of gross income difference based on marriage duration. Alameda County uses 25-35% depending on marriage length. These county-specific formulas only apply to temporary support during divorce proceedings, not permanent support awards.
How accurate are online California child support calculators?
Professional California child support calculators that implement the complete Income Shares model with SB 343 updates can be highly accurate for standard cases. However, accuracy depends on correct income reporting, proper time-share calculation, and inclusion of all relevant factors. Complex cases involving self-employment, variable income, or extraordinary circumstances may require attorney consultation. Our calculator includes SB 343 updates, K-factor calculations, and county-specific guidelines for maximum accuracy.