Child Support Past 18 in California: High School Graduation and Age Limits

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

California child support generally ends at 18. For an unmarried, full-time high school student who is not self-supporting it continues until the child completes the 12th grade or turns 19, whichever occurs first.

What is the child support age limit in California?

Parents have an equal responsibility to support their minor child in the manner suitable to the child’s circumstances (Fam. Code 3900), and for a minor child “support” includes maintenance and education (150). The duty to support a minor child ends when the child is no longer a minor, at 18, unless section 3901 applies.

Does child support continue through high school in California?

Yes, for an unmarried child who has reached 18, is a full-time high school student and is not self-supporting: support continues until the child completes the 12th grade or turns 19, whichever occurs first. A child with a medical condition documented by a physician that prevents full-time school attendance is excused from the full-time requirement (Fam. Code 3901(a)).

What date does California child support end? Examples

The usual end date is the 18th birthday, and the high school extension is bounded by the 19th birthday:

Try your own date in the California child support end date calculator.

What if the child is 18 and not in school?

Section 3901 applies only to a child who is a full-time high school student (or excused for a documented medical condition) and not self-supporting. A child who has turned 18 and is not in that situation is outside the extension, so the duty to support a minor child has ended, unless the order or an agreement says otherwise.

Can parents agree to more support?

Yes. Section 3901 does not limit a parent’s ability to agree to provide additional support or the court’s power to inquire whether such an agreement has been made (3901(b)).

What if my order says something different?

If an order requires support during the child’s minority, until the child marries or is otherwise emancipated, or until the death of or another specified event as to a child supported under 3901 or 3910, the obligation terminates on that contingency (4007(a)). Read your order, and file a request to modify if it needs changing.

Do arrears end when child support ends?

No. An action to recover an arrearage may be maintained within the enforcement period even though the child has reached 18 (4503). See the California child support arrears calculator and whether arrears expire.

How do you confirm your end date, step by step?

1. Read the order for an end date or event.
2. Find the 18th birthday in the California child support end date calculator.
3. If the child will be a full-time high school student at 18, confirm the graduation date and the 19th birthday.
4. Check the balance and arrange any arrears (arrears calculator).
5. Ask the court or the agency to end the earnings assignment once support has ended.

Frequently asked questions

Official sources

• Cal. Fam. Code 3901: support for an unmarried child over 18 in high school
• Cal. Fam. Code 3910: support for an incapacitated child
• Cal. Fam. Code 4007: termination on a contingency
• Cal. Fam. Code 7002: emancipated minor
• Cal. Fam. Code 150: definition of support
• Cal. Fam. Code 4503: arrearage after age 18

This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited California statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed California attorney.