Child support is an important mechanism that helps ensure all children are cared and provided for, even after a messy divorce. Child support is often a contentious point in most divorces, and is one of our areas of focus here at R & S Law Group, LLP. 

We’ve spent a lot of time discussing how child support is calculated in CA. Today, let’s talk about what it takes for child support to end. 

After all, child support is only intended to support a child until he/she is an adult. It is not a lifelong commitment, at least not from a legal perspective. With that in mind, what exactly are the stipulations before child support payments can be legally terminated?

Requirements for Termination of Child Support

In the state of California, there are only a few mechanisms in place that can allow for the termination of child support payments. These include:

• The child has turned 19 and is now a legal adult
• The child has graduated from high school and is at least 18 years old
• The child becomes legally emancipated from the parents
• The child has legally entered into a marriage before turning 18
• The child has joined the military

Of course, there is no mandate that the support must end, and a parent can choose to continue providing child support payments for as long as they’d like.

Requesting Modification of Child Support

Parents who are looking to have their payments terminated don’t have many options at their disposal unless one of the previous stipulations applies. However, there are avenues to explore in terms or having those payments modified or reduced.

Each case is unique, and many factors play into whether the courts will consider your request for modification. The first step in having payments stopped or reduced is in consulting with an experienced family law attorney, someone who can assess your needs and offer a solid game plan. 

At R & S Law Group, LLP, we offer free initial consultations where you can talk to one of our experienced family law attorneys. We’re here to help you with any type of child support / custody issue, as well as divorce and anything else that falls under CA family law. 

Call us at (949) 825-5245 today to schedule a free consultation, where our experienced family law attorneys can take the time to learn about your specific legal needs.