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HomeFamily CodeDiv. 9Pt. 2Ch. 1Art. 1§ 3901 Child Support After 18

§ 3901 Child Support After 18

Family Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Related Statutes·References
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§ 3901 Child Support After 18

Key Takeaways

  • •Parents must keep supporting their unmarried kid after they turn 18 if the kid is still in high school full-time and can't support themselves.
  • •This support stops when the kid finishes 12th grade or turns 19, whichever happens first.
  • •If the kid has a doctor-proven medical issue that stops them from going to school full-time, they don’t have to be in school to get support.
  • •Parents can still agree to support their kid more, and a court can check if such an agreement exists.

Example

A 18-year-old is still in high school, not working, and lives with their mom. Their dad stopped sending money because the kid turned 18.

The dad still has to support the kid until they finish 12th grade or turn 19, even if they’re already 18. If the kid gets sick and can’t go to school full-time, they still get support if a doctor says so.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 3901 Child Support After 18

(a)(1)The duty of support imposed by Section 3900 continues as to an unmarried child who has attained 18 years of age, is a full-time high school student, unless excused pursuant to paragraph (2), and who is not self-supporting, until the time the child completes the 12th grade or attains 19 years of age, whichever occurs first. (2)A child is excused from the requirement to be a full-time high school student for purposes of paragraph (1) if the child has a medical condition documented by a physician that prevents full-time school attendance. (b)This section does not limit a parent’s ability to agree to provide additional support or the court’s power to inquire whether an agreement to provide additional support has been made.

Last verified: February 26, 2026

Related Statutes

  • § 17000 Child Support Definitions
  • § 3900 Parental Support Responsibility
  • § 3902 Child Support From Property
  • § 1500 Marital Property Agreements
  • § 1501 Minor Marital Property Agreements

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Family Code. Section 3901.
View Official Source