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Do Child Support Payments End When Kids Go to College?

I know exactly how fast childhood goes. One day you’re holding your child for the first time… and the next, they’re walking into middle school and talking about college. But for a lot of California parents, that next chapter brings a big question: Can you stop paying child support the moment your child goes to college? In this video, I break down the real rule in California, why you can’t just stop payments automatically, and the biggest mistakes parents make that can lead to arrears + interest that don’t go away. I’ll also explain what to look for in your court order, when support actually ends, and what steps to take if your order is silent about a termination date. If you’re trying to protect yourself legally (and financially) as your child reaches adulthood, this episode will give you a clear plan forward. Key Events: 00:00 - The Real Question: Does Child Support End at College? 00:16 - Meet Sina Mohajer + What Our Firm Handles 00:54 - Start Here: Review Your Court Order First 01:22 - California’s General Rule: Support Ends at 18 (or 19 in HS) 03:21 - How to Stop Support Safely (Order Language / Court Action) 04:28 - Common Mistakes That Lead to Arrears + Interest 05:43 - Final Summary + When to Call Our Office Why You Can’t Just Stop Paying When College Starts One of the biggest misconceptions I see is parents assuming that once their child goes to college, child support automatically ends. In most situations, it doesn’t. The key is your court order - and specifically, whether it clearly states when support terminates. If the order is silent, stopping payments can put you in a dangerous position legally, because unpaid support becomes arrears, and arrears can accrue interest until they’re paid. The General Rule in California In California, courts generally have jurisdiction to make child support orders until a child turns 18, or 19 if the child is still a full-time high school student. If your judgment includes that standard termination language, there may be a built-in “end point.” But if your order simply lists a monthly amount with no clear termination date, you can’t assume anything - and you need to take formal action to avoid future consequences. When College Can Change Things Can child support continue beyond 18/19 because of college? Sometimes - but it depends on the specific exception (or more commonly) the written agreement between parents. If parents agree to extend support for college-related expenses, that agreement needs to be written clearly, signed properly, and made a part of an enforceable court order. Verbal agreements are not enough. How to End Child Support Safely If your court order doesn’t give you a termination date, you typically have two paths: Negotiate an end date with the other parent and put it in writing, OR File a Request for Order (RFO) asking the court to terminate support. If you file an RFO, you’ll need evidence - things like proof of age, high school graduation, or any facts that meet the legal standard for termination. Once the court grants termination, then it becomes safe to stop paying. Common Mistakes to Avoid The most common mistakes I see are: Assuming support ends automatically at college Not reading the court order Making verbal agreements that aren’t enforceable Stopping payments before court approval Avoiding these mistakes can save you from expensive and stressful problems down the road. Need Help With Your Situation? If you’re dealing with a support order and you’re unsure what applies to your case, I invite you to contact Mohajer Law Firm for a consultation. I’m happy to sit down with you one-on-one and help you understand your options and the best strategy to protect you and your child. Visit our website at www.mohajerlawfirm.com to schedule a consultation and learn how we can support you. And if you found this video helpful, hit the like button, subscribe for more California family law guidance, and share this with any parent who needs it.