If you have been ordered to pay child support, or are receiving child support, for your minor child(ren), you may wonder when it ends (or “terminates”). Many believe that child support absolutely ends when the child turns 18, and that is true in most cases, but not all. In California, a parent typically pays child support until their child turns 18.
However, there are some instances in which the child support obligation continues after the age of 18. One such instance is if the child has reached the age of 18 but is still a full-time high school student, and still lives at home with the custodial parent. If that is the case, then child support ends when the child turns 19 (or is no longer living at home or no longer a high school student, whichever comes first).
Can Child Support End Early?
There are other instances when child support ends before the child turns 18. These cases include:
- Gets married
- Joins the military
- Becomes emancipated
- Passes away
Does Child Support HAVE to Stop When My Child Turns 18 (or 19)?
The simple answer is “No”. You and the other parent can agree to continue child support for as long as you want to. If you do agree to continue paying support, even after the child support terminates, then you can put that agreement in your divorce judgment. Some parents choose to do this to ensure their child is supported while in college.
Do I Need to Talk to a Lawyer About When Child Support Ends in California?
You may want to talk to a lawyer if you have additional questions about child support laws in California. 4WheelJD™ can help.
Contact 4WheelJD™ to schedule a consultation today.
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