Child support orders typically end when children reach the age of 18. However, the support duty will continue if children who reach 18 are unmarried, full-time high school students, and not self-supporting. In these circumstances, support will continue until the child graduates high school or reaches age 19, whichever occurs first.
In addition, the court may order, or both parents may agree to, continued support for adult children who are incapacitated or unable to earn a living.
Liability to pay past due child support, also known as child support arrearages, is not extinguished when a child reaches the age of 18. Child support orders are enforceable until paid in full or otherwise satisfied through a legal settlement.
If you have any questions about whether your child support arrangement will continue past the age of 18, do not hesitate to reach out to our child support attorney in San Diego for a free consultation.