How Long Must A Parent Provide Child Support?
Under California law, a parent's obligation to pay child support continues until the child becomes 18 years old, or the child is 19, unmarried, and attending high school full time. However, if there are arrears owed on child support, a court order may enforce collection of the arrears until the debt is paid in full, including any interest that may have accumulated. Parents are not required to support a child who has been legally emancipated by a court of law. Emancipation occurs when a minor has demonstrated freedom from parental control or support, and an ability to be selfsupporting, a child that is on active military duty, or a child that becomes lawfully adopted by another party.
Other California Child Support FAQs
-
Q:
How is Child Support Calculated in California?
A: Both parents are responsible for financially supporting their child(ren). The custodial parent directly supports his or her child(ren) by providing housing, buying … More -
Q:
What Are The Child Support Guidelines in California?
A: The child support guideline gives parents a better understanding of how child support is calculated. However, just as the circumstances of each case are different, so … More -
Q:
Collecting Child Support Across State Lines
A: To collect support from an outofstate parent, the FSD or local child support enforcement agency will either refer your case to the other state for assistance … More -
Q:
The Child Support Enforcement Program
A: The Child Support Enforcement Program, authorized under Title IVD of the Social Security Act, provides services to assist parents in their mutual obligation to … More -
Q:
How The Local Child Support Office Can Help You
A: Every county has a FSD or local child support agency that provides child support services on behalf of the state of California. The FSD or local child support agency … More -
Q:
The Fsd Or Local Child Support Agency Provides The Following Services:
A: Locating parents (for purposes listed below). Establishing paternity. Establishing, modifying and enforcing a court order to pay child support. Collecting and … More -
Q:
The Fsd Or Local Child Support Agency Does Not:
A: Handle custody or visitation matters. Handle divorces. Obtain or enforce restraining orders (The agencies that provide these services vary from county to county. … More -
Q:
Opening A Child Support Case
A: Before you go to the FSD or local child support agency, try to gather and bring as much of the following information as possible: Both parent`s: Full legal name, … More -
Q:
What Happens When A Custodial Parent Assigns His/Her Right To Support?
A: Effective October 1, 1998, a condition of receiving CalWORKS benefits, the custodial party temporarily assigns to the county all support owed prior to receiving aid … More -
Q:
The Non-Custodial Parent And The Child Support Process
A: Noncustodial parents, or parents who currently do not have primary physical custody of their child(ren), have an important role in the child support process. … More
