Child support is set on a state mandated guideline. Family Code Section 4050-4076 sets out the formula used to set child support. This formula has been incorporated into a computer program which will calculate the amount of support once the figures have been input. In the Family Court, the program is called DissoMaster. In the Family Support Court the program is called a Child Support Calculator.
Factors that are input into the program include figures such as: number of children; % of time the noncustodial parent spends with the children; tax filing status; wages; self-employment income; any additional forms of taxable and non-taxable income; cost of mandatory retirement; cost of union dues; cost of health insurance; hardships for other children from another relationship in the home and any other child and/or spousal support being paid. If the person who will receive the child support wants the guideline amount, the court must order it, unless one of the few exceptions applies.
The Family Code makes it mandatory to order the guideline amount. If no aid money is being paid, the parties may agree on a child support figure higher or lower than the guideline amount.
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