California has a guideline for statewide use in determining child support.  The purpose of the guideline is twofold:
To provide a minimum level of child support for a child; and
To provide for uniformity in the calculation of child support.
The guideline includes a complex mathematical formula that strategically calculates parents' incomes, how much time each parent spends with the child, and any tax deductions that are available to either parent to determine a proper child support amount.  The guideline is presumed to be correct in all cases.  Only under special circumstances should any child support order fall below the child support mandated by the guideline formula.