...
Riverside Divorce Lawyer Temeculadivorce.com

When does a California’s child support arrangement end?

Home » Family Law News » Child Laws » When does a California's child support arrangement end?

Table Of Contents

If you’re a parent who pays child support because your children reside with the other parent, or if you’re considering divorce and you’re certain your children won’t be living with you for the majority of the time, you’re not the only one asking when child support ends in California. Here is the relevant data.

When does California child support end?

When Child Support Ends in California – Divorce Lawyers in Riverside County

In California, the noncustodial parent pays child support until the kid reaches the age of 18; however, there are instances in which the obligation continues.

If the child has not completed high school and is still living with the custodial parent, the paying parent must continue to pay child support. In this instance, the duty to pay child support ends when the child turns 19 years old.

What are the child support regulations in California?

Can Child Support Be Cancelled Prematurely?

Under certain conditions, the paying parent may discontinue child support payments prior to the kid’s 18th birthday. These conditions exist when the child:

  • Marries
  • Enters the armed forces
  • is discharged
  • dies

Child support: much more than $$

Child support is more than a simple monthly payment. It also consists of medical care (such as medical, dental, and vision care). The majority of child care expenses, including financial obligations, are split 50/50 between the parents, with one parent often having the child for a shorter portion of the month and, in many instances, one parent earning more than the other.

However, both parents are required to support their children financially.

Need a Seasoned Child Support Attorney?

Get in touch today and discuss your options. Free initial consultation.

Call now

Should Child Support End When The Child Reaches The Appropriate Age?

In California, child support generally ends when the child reaches the age of 18, which is considered the age of majority. However, there are important exceptions and nuances to this rule:

  1. Still in High School: If the child is still in high school at age 18, child support continues until the child turns 19 or graduates, whichever comes first.
  2. Special Needs: If the child has special needs or is incapacitated, child support can be extended indefinitely. This ensures that the child’s financial needs are met even after reaching the age of majority.
  3. Agreed-Upon Extensions: In some cases, parents may agree, through a court-approved agreement, to extend child support beyond 18, such as for college expenses or other reasons.

Parents can stipulate child support payments for as long as they like (as long as the child is of age or meets one of the other conditions for stopping payments, such as military service or marriage). You can add this in the divorce agreement if you or your spouse are willing to pay child support even while your child is at college.

Due to the fact that California does not require alimony to continue above the age of 18, even for children with special needs, many parents opt to pay alimony for longer durations. Nothing prevents you from doing this if you see it necessary in your situation. It is essential that you both agree to it.

Under California law, parents have limited discretion over the amount of child support, unless they wish to pay more than the state’s recommended amount.

For instance, they cannot go to court and say, “We’ve agreed that I’ll pay only $100 a month in child support,” and expect the judge to agree. The state has defined rules for how much money a non-custodial parent must pay for child custody, and the court will not stray from those limits absent exceptional circumstances.

If a parent refuses to pay child support, he or she will likely be out of luck. The courts recognize that both parents are responsible for the upkeep of their children.

Who Needs Child Support?

Child support is a monetary amount that helps pay for a child’s expenses. It is a contribution to the family’s common purse that helps sustain the child’s level of living, whether it is used to pay rent or buy groceries for others in the household.

Request your free consultation today.

Let us help you resolve your issue.
Beshoy Shehata Family Lawyer

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Our experienced divorce attorneys are here to help. Schedule a free consultation today and get the legal support you need.
Get in touch today!

Request your free consultation today.

Let us help you resolve your issue.

How To Find Us?

More Family Law Articles

Riverside Divorce Lawyer Temeculadivorce.com
Family Law Matters – is a team of highly experienced, hand-picked family, litigation and divorce attorneys from South California. Get in touch with us.

Serving Temecula, Corona, Temescal Canyon, Murrieta, Wildomar, Canyon Lake, Menifee, Sun City, Hemet, Riverside, Riverside County and San Bernardino, California.

Address

27307 Via Industria
Temecula, CA 92590

(951) 972-8287
info@temeculadivorce.com


9036 Pulsar Court, Suite A,
Corona, CA 92883

(951)-299-3366
info@temeculadivorce.com

Business Hours

Monday
8 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday
8 AM - 5 PM
Wednesday
8 AM - 5 PM
Thursday
8 AM - 5 PM
Friday
8 AM - 1 PM
Saturday
closed
Sunday
closed
© 2024 Family Law Matters ® - all rights reserved.