When child support ends in California

The end age, the exceptions, and what to do as support ends.

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

18, or when the child graduates from high school or turns 19, whichever comes first, if the child is unmarried and still in high school full time.

Usual end age
18
Latest age in the rule
19
Law
Cal. Fam. Code 3901, 3910

The end age in California

18, or when the child graduates from high school or turns 19, whichever comes first, if the child is unmarried and still in high school full time

Law: Cal. Fam. Code 3901, 3910

Support can continue for an adult child who is disabled and cannot support himself or herself, or if the parents agree. Support also ends if the child marries, enters a domestic partnership, joins the military, is emancipated or dies.

When does support end? Check your situation

California's rule: 18, or when the child graduates from high school or turns 19, whichever comes first, if the child is unmarried and still in high school full time

Law: Cal. Fam. Code 3901, 3910

Your own order may set a different end date, for example when the parents agreed to one. Read it.

Moved to another state?

How long support lasts follows the law of the state that made the order, even if you move.

Law: 28 U.S.C. 1738B(h)(2)

A state must enforce another state's child support order. The state that made the order keeps the power to change it while a parent or the child still lives there.

Law: 28 U.S.C. 1738B(a), (d)

Past-due support doesn't end

Support that was due before it ended is still owed. Each unpaid payment became a judgment on the day it was due, and the agency can keep collecting it.

Law: 42 U.S.C. 666(a)(9)

In nearby states

  • Nevada: 18, or if the child is still in high school, when the child…
  • Utah: 18, or graduation from high school during the child's normal and…
  • Oregon: 18, or up to 21 if the child qualifies as a Child Attending School
  • Arizona: 18

What to do now in California

  1. Read your order

    Some orders set their own end date.

  2. Know the age

    In California: 18, or when the child graduates from high school or turns 19, whichever comes first, if the child is unmarried and still in high school full time.

  3. Update the agency

    Ask the agency how and when payments stop: California Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) (1-866-901-3212) · Apply online

  4. Pay or collect arrears

    Arrears can still be collected after support ends.

Where to get free help in California

Questions about when support ends in California

At what age does child support stop in California?

18, or when the child graduates from high school or turns 19, whichever comes first, if the child is unmarried and still in high school full time

Is there support during the last year of high school in California?

18, or when the child graduates from high school or turns 19, whichever comes first, if the child is unmarried and still in high school full time

Can child support continue past the usual age in California?

Support can continue for an adult child who is disabled and cannot support himself or herself, or if the parents agree. Support also ends if the child marries, enters a domestic partnership, joins the military, is emancipated or dies.

Keep reading about California

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources