Child Support Arrears – How Long Will I Be Liable to Pay Child Support?

You are generally liable for child support until your child reaches 18 years old, if your child is deemed a legal adult, or if the court terminates your parental rights (i.e., if your child is adopted). However, even after you do not have a legal responsibility to support your child, you are still liable for any past-due child support amount. Thus, for example, you cannot avoid paying child support until your child is 18 years old and expect that you no longer owe past-due child support.

Certain circumstances do not eliminate your liability for child support. For example, by federal law, child support obligations cannot be discharged by filing bankruptcy. In addition, even if the parent owing child support dies, the supported parent or the county may file a claim against the dead parent’s estate to satisfy the remaining child support amount.

If you or someone you know faces child support arrearage, you will need a skilled Southern California child support attorney to help you navigate these difficult legal waters. At Wallin & Klarich, we have helped people with child support arrearage for over 30 years. Call us today at (888) 749-7428. We will be there when you call.