Being a parent is a rewarding and challenging job. It takes a lot to make sure that a child has the love, support, and financial resources that they need to be happy and healthy. California parents do their best to ensure that their kids lead positive lives and are provided with all that they need.
During and after a divorce, though, it can sometimes be difficult for parents to work together to guarantee that their children are not lacking the care and assistance that they require. Because of this, parents can agree to or have their family law courts order child support documents that dictate how they will share in the responsibilities of providing for their kids.
In California, the state provides guidelines for how parents should evaluate and divide the financial responsibilities of parenting. Generally, child support agreements and orders last until children become adults. However, certain events and circumstances can alter this general rule.
For example, a child with special needs or disabilities may require financial support into adulthood. Similarly, parents can agree to continue to support their children through college or other post-high school graduation programs. If a child turns 18 while in high school, parents are required to support them until they graduate or turn 19 years old.
A child who emancipates from their parents, though, or who joins the military before they become 18, may cease to receive child support. Marriage may also end child support for a minor or an 18-year-old who is still in high school. As readers can see, the end of a child support order or agreement can depend on many factors, and this post should not be interpreted as legal advice. Questions regarding specific child support cases should be directed to family law attorneys.
