child support determination

[letsjustbefriends]

After 20 years of marriage I am hopeful that he and I can manage to separate and/or divorce amicably.

How (roughly) is the amount of child support determined?

We both work, have our fair share of debt
given expenses and income.... how is child support calculated?

Any way possibly that he and I could figure out what would likely be determined by the courts as "fair" so we could work from that figure?

Thanks

[Mr. Knowitall]

The California Department of Child Support Services provides information on the California Child Support Guidelines (which are used to determine the amount of support) through its website.

[letsjustbefriends]

Well, I thought I was pretty capable - but I just can't find any clear information on how the amount is determined, the basic numerical equation.

I can find general info:
"The court will use the net disposable income of each parent, and the percent of time each parent spends with a child to set the child support amount."

But assuming I know both our net disposable income, and percentage of time the children will be with each of us....I still don't know how to calculate the amount of child support.

I am sure there is a general, basic formula from which the determination is made...I just can't find that info!

But thanks anyway, I appreciate your effort.