How To Terminate Child Support in California? 2025

Child support orders are designed to ensure that children have access to healthcare, schooling, and other basic necessities. Child support payments are not open-ended, and there may be times when circumstances warrant termination of these types of support payments. If your child is about to turn 18 or your financial circumstances have significantly changed, you may be wondering how to terminate child support in California.

When Does Child Support End in California?

In most cases, child support obligations in California end when the child turns 18. If the child is still in high school full-time and does not support themselves, support may continue until after graduation. This termination does not happen automatically in every situation. A formal order is often needed to stop payments. The obligor may have to prove that they have paid their child support obligations in full and are not behind in payments.

Filing a Motion to Terminate Support

To officially end a child support obligation, a parent may need to file a motion with the family court that issued the original order. This is typically done using Form FL-300, the Request for Order. In Orange County, this legal paperwork can be filed with the Lamoreaux Justice Center, which is located at 341 The City Drive South. In Los Angeles County, the parent would need to go with an attorney to the Stanley Mosk Courthouse. After filing, a hearing is set.

Valid Reasons to Terminate Child Support

The most common reason for termination is that the child has reached the age of majority and is no longer eligible. Other valid reasons include the child becoming emancipated, getting married, or joining the military.

In some cases, the receiving parent and child may move out of state or agree in writing to end the support early, though this still requires court approval. If the paying parent loses custody or the child begins living with them full-time, a modification or termination may also be appropriate.

Back Child Support Does Not Disappear

Even when child support obligations end, parents are still responsible for any arrears they owe. As of 2021, California parents owed $18.4 billion in unpaid child support—a serious number that is a reminder of how many obligations remain unfulfilled.

Termination of future payments does not erase arrears unless the custodial parent formally waives the balance, and the court approves the waiver. At the Lamoreaux Justice Center or Stanley Mosk Courthouse, family court judges regularly hear motions related to back support enforcement.

Impact of Custody and Household Status

Child support obligations reflect the division of custody and parental responsibility. According to state data, 22.5% of children in California live in single-parent households. This has a direct impact on support orders. If the child starts living with the paying parent or custody shifts significantly, support may no longer be appropriate. However, courts will require formal proof of the change, such as a modified custody order, before terminating the financial obligation.

Divorce and Support Trends in California

With California’s divorce rate reaching 7.45% in 2023, family law courts process thousands of support orders each year. Many of these orders eventually require termination. Whether the child has aged out, custody has changed, or substantive financial situations have shifted, ending child support properly requires court involvement. Termination cannot happen without a formal order.

FAQs

How Do I Cancel Child Support in California?

You cannot simply cancel child support on your own. To stop payments, you must file a request with the court and show that legal grounds exist, such as the child turning 18 or becoming emancipated. The court will review your request and issue an updated order if appropriate. Until then, you are still legally responsible for making payments.

What Happens if My Child Turns 18 but Is Still in High School?

In California, child support usually ends when a child turns 18. However, if the child still attends high school full-time and is not self-supporting, payments will continue until either the child turns 19 or graduates from high school. You must still obtain a court order to confirm the termination of payments once eligibility ends.

Does Giving Up Parental Rights Stop Child Support in California?

No, voluntarily giving up parental rights does not automatically end child support. Courts generally require continued financial support unless another adult legally adopts the child. California law protects the child’s right to financial stability. Even if parental rights are waived, support usually continues unless terminated through adoption or a court-approved legal change in custody.

How Do I Write a Letter to Close a Child Support Case?

A letter to close a child support case should include your case number, the child’s name, and the reason for the request. Clearly explain why you believe support should end, such as reaching the age of majority or making custody changes. Address the letter to the local child support agency or court. However, official termination still requires court approval before payments can stop.

Can I Terminate Child Support if My Child Moves in With Me?

Possibly. If your child now lives primarily with you, that may be grounds to end or modify support. You must file a motion with the court and provide proof of the custody change. Until the court approves the change, you are still obligated to pay support under the original order. Never stop paying without court approval.

Schedule Your Child Support Consultation Today

If you believe your child support obligation should end due to your child reaching adulthood, a change in financial circumstances, or another qualifying event, Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP can help. Our experienced Orange County family law attorneys understand the legal process required to terminate or modify support orders in California.

Acting quickly can help you avoid unnecessary payments and ensure your rights are protected. We provide strategic guidance tailored to your situation and work to achieve the most efficient resolution possible. Schedule your consultation today to review your options and take the next step toward ending your support obligation legally.

About The Author

Stephane Quinn

Attorney Stephane Quinn is an experienced divorce and family law attorney and Certified Family Law Specialist (California Bar Board of Legal Specialization). As founding partner of Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP, he focuses on fathers' rights, complex custody cases, and high-asset divorces. Admitted to the California Bar in 2010 (SBN #278188), he has been recognized as: Super Lawyers Rising Star (Since 2017) Cum laude graduate from California State University, Long Beach Juris Doctor from Fowler School of Law in Orange Fluent in French, Attorney Quinn aggressively protects clients' rights in Orange County family courts.

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