Each state has their own child support laws; however, all the basics are essentially the same from state to state. In California, child support is determined by each parent's monthly income and also, the amount of time that the child spends with each parent. The courts will consider income that is derived from all sources, whether it is taxed under federal law, or not. Income can be in forms of property, money and the alike. California has a child support enforcement agency that can help with the establishing of a child support order, enforcement of that order, collection through several different means such as wage garnishment and distribution of the payment that has been collected, to you. This is a free service that is mandatory under federal law and is funded by the federal government, as well as the state government. It does not cost the parent anything to use this service and they will handle all the legal paperwork, court documents, filing, court sessions and the alike, for you. They are there to make sure that kids are getting what is rightfully theirs and that the parents are doing their part to help take care of these children.