When it comes to child support, the California law provides that both parents must contribute to the financial needs of the child, whether or not they are married. The two most important factors considered in calculating child support is both parents’ incomes and percentage of time that each parent spends with the child. Most courts also consider at least some of the following factors in calculating child support:

• Whether either parent is paying child support from a previous relationship

• Which parent is paying for health insurance, and the cost

• Which parent is paying for day care, and the cost

• Whether either parent is required to pay union dues or contribute to his or her retirement