[header] How to calculate child support in california [title] Determine who has to pay child support. [step] If you are married to the other parent, you both will be responsible for your child's financial support. However, if you are not married to the other parent, child support will depend on your (and the other parent's) income and parenting time. 
Either parent could have to pay the other. Usually, the parent with physical control over the child will receive child support from the other parent.