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Last Modified on Sep 04, 2025
An important question to ask is, “How long does child support last in Riverside, CA?” It is one of the most frequently asked questions by parents who are in the middle of an often-emotional separation or divorce. California’s law is clear, but the answer in real life depends on the facts of your child’s particular situation.
The length of child support in Riverside County is set by state law, but an understanding of the exceptions to the Riverside child support laws and whether they may apply to your case can prepare you for the future and prevent expensive surprises.
The Standard Rule
In California, child support generally ends when the child turns 18. However, if the child is still a full-time high school student and lives with a parent, payments continue until graduation or their 19th birthday, whichever comes first. While this is a state law, these rules apply equally in Riverside, whether your case is handled in the Riverside County Superior Court, Family Law Division, or through the Department of Child Support Services (DCSS).
Exceptions That May Extend Child Support
While in most cases, child support ends when the child becomes 18, there are certain situations where child support may be extended. Some of these exceptions include the following:
- The child has disabilities. If the child is physically and/or mentally disabled and thus unable to support themselves, parents may be required to provide support throughout the child’s lifetime.
- The parents agree to it. If both parents agree to continue providing support, they may do so. This is typically used in cases to help pay for the child’s further education or vocational training.
- A court-ordered circumstance. In some instances, the court may order that child support extends beyond the child’s 18th birthday if it is in the child’s best interest.
Cases Where Child Support May End Early
In some child support cases, the court may determine that it is no longer necessary for parents to pay child support. Some of these instances include:
- Marriage. If the child marries before they turn 18, the court may stop payments.
- Emancipation. If the child goes through the legal process of being separated from their parents and being granted legal adult status, child support may be terminated.
- Military enlistment. If the child enlists in the military before their 18th birthday, child support may cease.
- The child passes. In the unfortunate circumstances of the child’s passing away, child support is ended.
When Child Support May Be Adjusted
California’s child support guidelines provide a low-income adjustment when a parent’s net disposable income is below a specified level unless the other parent demonstrates that the adjustment would be unjust or inequitable in the particular case. In late 2024, the state increased that threshold from the federal poverty level to the gross monthly income of a full-time worker at the California minimum wage.
For 2025, that’s $16.50 per hour or roughly $2,860 per month, indexed annually for inflation. But qualification is based on net income, not gross, so even higher earners may be eligible.
Additional Considerations and Statistics
Many people are surprised to find out that California does not have a statute of limitations on collecting child support. This means that even though your formal support period may be over, past-due child support is still collectible until paid in full. In California, interest accrues at about 10% per year, making delayed payments costly.
The Riverside County Department of Child Support Services has served 82,000 families. $175 million has been distributed, and 13,000 have received health care coverage.
Hire a Child Support Lawyer
A skilled child support attorney can help ensure you don’t overpay or lose out on the money your child deserves, particularly if your case involves exceptions, disputed paternity, or high past-due balances.
Edgar & Dow has focused exclusively on family law since 2004. We help clients throughout Riverside, Temecula, and Anaheim with their divorce, custody, and support issues, and we do it with both the compassion and honesty you need. We understand the emotional and financial cost of family disputes, and we fight to get our clients results that leave them in a better position than before.
FAQs
Does Child Support Automatically End at 18 in California?
Child support does not always automatically end at 18 in California. California child support normally terminates on a child’s 18th birthday. However, support is to be continued, if the child is a full-time high school student and resides with a parent, up to the child’s 19th birthday or high school graduation, whichever first occurs. In addition, child support may be extended if the child is disabled and unable to support themselves, upon court order.
Do You Still Have to Pay Child Support if the Child Goes to College in California?
You do not have to pay child support if the child goes to college in California. The law does not require parents to pay child support in these cases. Support will typically end at 18 years old or 19 if the child is still in high school. However, if both parents agree to extend child support for this purpose, or if the court orders it in special circumstances, the parent will be obligated to those terms.
How Is Child Support Calculated in California?
Child support is determined by a statewide formula in California. The formula takes into account both parents’ gross income, the percentage of time the child spends with each parent, taxes, and other allowable deductions. It also includes certain childcare and healthcare expenses. The state provides an official calculator to estimate payments.
What Is the New Child Support Law in 2025 in California?
The new child support law in 2025 in California adjusts child support payments for low-income parents. They qualify if their net disposable income is less than the gross monthly amount earned by full-time work at the current state minimum wage rate. The minimum wage is $16.50 an hour, or approximately $2,860 per month. It is adjusted each year for inflation.
Contact Edgar & Dow Today
Between modifications, adjustments, and extensions, child support in California can be difficult to understand. When you hire a child support lawyer, they can make these laws clear to you and help you in the legal process. Contact Edgar & Dow today for assistance in your child support case.
