When Does Child Support End in California?
Contrary to what many think, child support in California doesn’t just automatically end when your kid turns 18.
At Foster Hsu, LLP, we break down the practical truth behind California’s child support timeline. Our San Jose child support lawyers have helped countless San Jose and Bay Area families navigate child support transitions.
What California Law Actually Says
California courts follow a clear rule: child support generally ends when a child turns 18 and graduates from high school, or if they are still enrolled in high school full time, when the child turns 19 or graduates high school, whichever event comes first.
Support also ends earlier if the child:
- Gets married or enters a registered domestic partnership
- Enters the military
- Becomes emancipated
- Passes away
But, as always, there are also exceptions to the general rules.
- Adult Children With Disabilities
If the child is disabled and cannot support themselves, California courts can order support to continue well beyond age 19.
- Agreements Between Parents
Sometimes parents agree to keep paying beyond the legal cutoff (e.g., for college expenses or transitional needs).
- Garnishments Don’t End Automatically
Don’t assume wage garnishments stop just because a child support obligation ends. Your employer must get a formal amended or terminated order. Otherwise, payments may continue even though support should be terminated by operation of the law.
What You Should Do Now
If you aren’t sure when child support ends in your particular case, here’s what you should do:
- Check your order: Know the stated end‑date and any special language included.
- File to modify or terminate the order: Even if the child turned 19 months ago, courts require formal paperwork to stop legal obligations.
- Update the income withholding order: Send the court a request to terminate the Income Withholding Order.
- Ask about post-majority support: If your child has a disability or special need, don’t assume support ends. Check your order to see whether you are obligated to continue paying support or not.
“But why does it matter?” you might ask.
A child support order is legally binding, and civil penalties or wage garnishment can continue even if you believed your obligation to have ended. That’s why paperwork matters. That’s why timing matters. And that’s precisely where most people get tripped up.
Discuss Your Case with a San Jose Child Support Attorney
Child support in California generally ends at 18 or 19, but the legal machinery doesn’t stop automatically. If you don’t act, you could continue paying well past when support should end.
Want peace of mind? Contact Foster Hsu, LLP for a consultation. We’ll walk you through your situation, identify your options, and make sure you’re not paying more or less than you need to. Call us at 408-841-7200 or visit our website to schedule a meeting.
Source:
selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/child-support
