The principle
Anyone — or any AI — can find a formula and explain it. What's hard, and what actually matters when money and children are at stake, is being verifiably correct and current. So for every calculator we build, each constant, percentage, cap, and bracket is transcribed directly from the controlling statute or official guideline, and we show you the source. We would rather cover fewer states perfectly than many states approximately.
Our process, for every tool
- Identify the controlling authority. We locate the exact statute, guideline, or schedule that governs the calculation — for example, the Texas Family Code §154 guideline percentages and the net-resources cap, or California Family Code §4055.
- Transcribe against the primary source. Every number is taken from the official document itself — not a secondary summary, blog, or older tool.
- Cite it in the open. Each tool lists the exact sections it used and links to the official source, so you can check our work.
- Stamp the check. Each calculator shows a visible “verified · checked [date]” badge naming the sections confirmed on that date.
- Show the math. Results are derived step by step on the page (and in your downloadable worksheet), so nothing is hidden in a black box.
- Re-check on a schedule and on change. Guideline figures move — tax tables, support caps, and formulas are updated periodically. We re-verify and update when they do.
Why “current” is the hard part
Support and tax figures change more often than people expect, and outdated numbers are the most common way these estimates go wrong. In 2026, for instance, California decertified its own official child-support calculator following a tax-law change. Staying current is unglamorous, ongoing work — and it's exactly the discipline we hold ourselves to, and the reason we date-stamp every verification.
What “verified” means — and what it doesn't
When we say a tool is verified, we mean the inputs are confirmed against the official source: the percentages, caps, schedules, and formulas match the current statute. That is a claim we stand behind.
It does not mean the result is legal advice, a prediction of a court's order, or a court-certified figure. Every calculator applies a general guideline to the numbers you enter; a judge retains discretion, and your case may involve facts the tool doesn't capture. Treat the output as a well-grounded estimate to prepare with — then confirm your specifics with a licensed attorney in your state.
The sources we use
We build strictly on primary, official sources — state family codes and statutes, judicial-council guidelines, and official support schedules. Each tool's “Rules used” section links to the specific ones behind its estimate. See any live example: Texas child support, Arizona child support, California child support, or Florida child support.
Found something off?
We take accuracy seriously and we're not too proud to be corrected. If a figure looks wrong or a statute has changed, use the feedback button on any tool and tell us — we review every report.
Written and maintained by Hemant Adhikari, Founder & Editor of Untangle Plan. Not a licensed attorney; every figure we publish is cited to a primary source and independently verifiable. Read more about us and our editorial standards.