One can calculate California child support amounts by using the DCSS calculator at:

  www.cse.ca.gov/ChildSupport/cse/guidelineCalculator

  However, there are a couple of cautions about this process which are not apparent on the face of the program.  Attorney Yeamans is aware of them because she handles so many cases and attends State Bar educational classes.

  Family Code section 3830 authorizes the California Judicial Council to approve of computer software to assist in determining the  appropriate amount of child support or spousal support obligations, and provides that non-approved programs shall not be used.

California Rule 5.275 sets forth standards for computer software to assist in determining support.

As of 2007, 5 programs had been approved:
DCSS
CalSupportPro
XSpouse
DissoMaster
SupporTax

In general these programs produce very similar results. However, at higher income levels, particularly levels affected by the Alternative Minimum Tax, results may differ.

The DCSS program does not have a bonus calculator. Thus, family court will usually order that if income fluctuates, base child support consider base income, but an order for increase/decrease of support in the event of bonuses, overtime, commissions, etc. will also be made. Such an order cannot be calculated with the DCSS program. You must use one of the other programs, or you can contact attorney Yeamans at 408 867 8137.

The DCSS program does not calculate spousal support, only child support.

Under the different programs if all children are in foster care, the result may be significantly different.