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How Does Child Support Work After the Child Turns 18?

On Behalf of | Sep 4, 2020 | Child Support

How does child support work after the child turns 18?  Most parents understand that it is their legal responsibility to support children under the age of 18. How will child support be managed after the child turns graduates high school or reaches the age of majority?

How does child support work after the child turns 18 when special needs or other challenges exist?  Our San Diego Family Courts will almost always extend child support in cases of special needs. Child support may be continued throughout adult life when a child is physically or mentally challenged to the point they are unable to support themselves or earn a living.

The Courts here in California generally require you to continue child support until the child is 18 (if they have graduated high school). If they turn 18 prior to high school graduation you may be required to support them until graduation or until the age of 19 if they are unable to support themselves financially.

Our Courts will also consider extension of child support orders when both parties agree. For example, the child may continue on to college and post-graduate school and the parties agree upon financial responsibilities.

California family law states “a father and mother have an equal responsibility to maintain, to the extent of their ability, a child of whatever age who is incapacitated from earning a living and without sufficient means.” “Sufficient means” in these cases usually pertains to government benefits such as Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income.

Are wondering “How does child support work after the child turns 18?”  Do you have questions about modification of child support payments due to a child reaching the age of majority (18)? You need the sound advice and counsel of our experienced Certified Family Law Specialists at Burke & Domercq.

Protect your own interests as well as the best interests of your child(ren) and contact us or call 760-389-3927 to schedule an appointment for a remote or socially distanced consultation with one of our experienced Certified Family Law Specialists.

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