Many parents assume that California child support automatically ends on a child’s 18th birthday. That is not always the case.

California law includes circumstances in which support may continue after age 18. The child’s education, ability to become self-supporting, and the parents’ own agreements can all affect how long a support obligation lasts.

When Does California Child Support Continue After Age 18?

California child support can continue for an unmarried 18-year-old who remains a full-time high school student and is not self-supporting, subject to the statutory age limit.

There is also an exception to the full-time school requirement when a medical condition documented by a physician prevents the child from attending school full time.

This means a child’s 18th birthday should not automatically be treated as the termination date without reviewing the child’s circumstances and the existing child support order.

What About an Adult Child Who Cannot Support Themselves?

California imposes an additional support responsibility for certain adult children.

Parents share responsibility, to the extent of their ability, for maintaining a child of any age who is incapacitated from earning a living and does not have sufficient means.

The incapacity can be physical or mental. The key issue is whether the condition prevents the adult child from becoming self-supporting.

When the requirements are met, child support can potentially continue indefinitely rather than ending under the ordinary rules that apply when a child reaches adulthood.

Do California Parents Have to Pay for College?

California courts generally cannot order parents to support a nondisabled adult child simply because the child is attending college.

Parents can, however, agree to provide support for an adult child.

For example, divorcing parents may agree to share college expenses or provide other financial support after their child reaches adulthood. When that agreement becomes part of the divorce judgment, it can create enforceable obligations according to its terms.

Review the Child Support Order Before Assuming Support Has Ended

Child support termination can depend on more than age alone.

Parents should consider the child’s age, high school status, ability to support themselves, any qualifying incapacity, and any agreements extending support beyond the ordinary termination period.

The existing California child support order should also be reviewed carefully. Assuming support has ended and simply stopping payments can create problems when the legal obligation actually remains in effect.