The parents of minor children are legally responsible to provide child support for their minor children, even if the child is conceived out of wedlock. Children who were born in the course of a marriage, are presumed to be the children of the parties in the marriage.
Ordinarily, one parent will be ordered to pay child support to the other parent depending upon many factors. These factors include but are not limited to: (1) who has custody of the minor child or children, and for what percentage of time, (2) each parent’s average and current income, and (3) any expenses and hardship deductions.
Absent agreement by the parties, a parent has the duty to provide child support for their child, until that child turns eighteen years of age. However, as to any unmarried 18-year-old child who is still a full-time high school student and not self-supporting, the parent’s obligations continues until the child completes the 12th grade, or reaches the age of nineteen, whichever occurs first.
Only full-time high school attendance is required to trigger the obligation to provide support after the child reaches 18-years-old. Furthermore, California law does not require the supported child to demonstrate a good faith effort to graduate as soon as possible.
An experienced Orange County child support attorney can help determine your rights and obligations concerning child support issues.
Wallin & Klarich has more than 30 years of experience in family law. Our attorneys know from long experience what works in a child support case, and are prepared to fight to get you the best possible outcome. With 16 attorneys in 33 offices throughout Southern California, we can be there when you need us wherever you are. If you’re thinking of hiring an attorney for a modification of support, call us today at 1-888-749-7428 for a consultation, or fill out the online case evaluation form at www.wkfamilylaw.com.
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