The Length of Child Support in California
Following parents’ divorce or separation, child support can be critical for the well-being of a child. Here’s what any separating spouse needs to know about the length of child support in California.
In California, court-ordered child support usually lasts until the child reaches the age of 18, or until the child completes high school. If the child is 18 years old and still a full-time high school student living with a parent, then the child support usually will not end until they turn 19 or graduate from high school.
What is Child Support?
Under both state and federal law, both parents are required to provide financial support for their children, but this cannot be enforced unless a court orders a parent to provide financial support. This court-ordered financial support for a child is called child support; specifically, it is the amount of money that a court orders the parent(s) of a child to pay per month to support the wellbeing of the child. Because the goal is to ensure that both parents financially support the child, the order may apply to only one of the parents or both. Either parent can request a child support order from a judge in the following legal situations:
- Divorce, separation, or annulment
- A petition to establish parental relationship
- A domestic violence restraining order
- A Petition for Custody and Support of Minor Children
How Long Does Court-Ordered Child Support Last in California?
The law regarding the length of child support in California is relatively simple. In general, the court order will require the parent(s) to pay child support until the child reaches the age of 18 or graduates high school. If the child reaches 18 but is still a full-time high school student living with a parent, then the child support will continue until the child either graduates or reaches the age of 19.
However, there are situations where child support can end earlier or later than the aforementioned times. Child support will end earlier if the child is emancipated, enters the military, enters marriage/a domestic partnership, or dies.
Related: How to End Child Support in California
Child support can last longer if there are unpaid dues that have not been repaid by the agreed-upon end date. Furthermore, parents can agree to support the child beyond the age of 18 or graduation from high school. A court may also order that parents continue to financially support their child into adulthood if they are disabled and unable to support themselves.
FAQs
My child is ten years old, and I am going to request child support from my spouse that I am divorcing. How long will the child support last?
The child support will most likely last approximately eight years, up until the child turns eighteen or graduates high school. However, you and your spouse might be able to agree to a longer period of time if needed.
My child has disabilities and will not be able to support themselves in adulthood. Can I request that the child support be extended into adulthood?
Yes. In this scenario, a judge can order the child support to be extended into adulthood because the child will not be able to support themselves.
Contact Us
If you need to get child support, contact us. We’ll get you in touch with the most qualified attorney for your unique legal issue. Get your free consultation with one of our Child Support Attorneys today!