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What is the duration of child support that the parents are required to give to their child in California?

What is the duration of child support that the parents are required to give to their child in California?

Q: What is the age limit for child support in California?

In California, child support typically lasts until the child turns 18, provided they are not self-supporting and are a full-time high school student. If the child continues their education and is still in high school, support may continue until they graduate or turn 19, whichever comes first (Cal. Fam. Code § 3901).

Q: What is the maximum age to pay child support?

The maximum age for child support in California is 19, but it can extend beyond that if the child is a full-time high school student and not self-supporting. Support obligations end when the child graduates from high school or reaches 19 years of age, whichever occurs first (Cal. Fam. Code § 3901).

Q: Can a 15 year old move out in California?

In California, a 15-year-old cannot legally move out without parental consent. Minors need to be at least 18 years old to move out independently. However, they may seek emancipation, which is a legal process allowing minors to gain adult status, but this requires meeting specific criteria and court approval.

Q: At what age does a father stop paying child support in California?

In California, a father stops paying child support when the child turns 18, provided they are not a full-time high school student. If the child is still in high school and not self-supporting, support can continue until the child graduates or turns 19, whichever comes first (Cal. Fam. Code § 3901).

Full question:

I am a 15 year old living in California with my parents. I would like to know the duration of child support that the parents are required to give to their child in California?

Category: Minors
Subcategory: Support
Date: 04/07/2025
State: California

Answer:

IIn California, the father and mother of a minor child are equally responsible for the support of their child. This duty continues to an unmarried child who has attained the age of majority, is a full-time high school student and who is not self-supporting, until the child completes the 12^th grade or attains the age of 19 years, whichever occurs first. Parents may agree to provide additional support. The court also has the power to inquire whether an agreement for additional support has been made.

Per California Family Code §3901:

“(a) The duty of support imposed by Section 3900 continues as to an unmarried child who has attained the age of 18 years, is a full-time high school student, and who is not self-supporting, until the time the child completes the 12th grade or attains the age of 19 years, whichever occurs first.
(b) Nothing in this section limits a parent's ability to agree to provide additional support or the court's power to inquire whether an agreement to provide additional support has been made.”

Per California Family Code §3900:

“Subject to this division, the father and mother of a minor child have an equal responsibility to support their child in the manner suitable to the child's circumstances.”

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Can a 15 year old choose which parent to live with in California?

In California, a 15-year-old can express a preference regarding which parent to live with, but the final decision is up to the court. The court considers the child's wishes along with other factors, such as the child's well-being and the parents' ability to provide a stable environment. Ultimately, the court's priority is the best interest of the child.