Question about child support laws in California

[Beaverhausen]

From what I can find on the (state and county in question) website, child support is only mandatory until the child is 18, or 19 if the child is still in high school. It says under some circumstances it can be extended.

Does anyone know the ins and outs of this?

thanks! :hi:

[Xithras]

1. Extensions are nearly impossible.

The general rule is 19 years or graduation, whichever comes first. 19 is the absolute latest. Unlike some other states, California has no statute requiring support while attending college.

I've only heard of a few support exceptions in cases where the son or daughter had a serious disability that required medical assistance, and the judge was ordering both parents to help cover the expenses. Typically, this only happens if you're wealthy and the other parent can prove that you CAN afford it, but are simply being stubborn. There are lots of reasons why it can be terminated early, but it's extremely difficult to get it extended past that 19th birthday.

IANAL, but my mom was a practicing family law attorney in California for many years and I spent lots of time working in her office. If you need real advice, I'd suggest calling a reputable attorney to find out where current case law stands.