Family law
Child support
Money a court orders a parent to pay to help cover a child's living expenses, usually to the parent who has the child most of the time.[1]
In more detail
California's courts explain that both parents must support their children, that the amount usually comes from the state's guideline, and that support typically ends when the child turns 18 and finishes high school, or at 19.[1] Federal law requires every state to set guidelines and treats the guideline amount as presumed correct unless a court finds it unjust in a particular case.[2]
Varies by state
Formulas, add-ons and the age support ends differ by state. Find your state’s rules.
Related terms
- Child support guidelinesThe formula each state sets for calculating child support.
- ModificationA court's change to an existing order, such as child support, alimony or a parenting plan, usually because circumstances have substantially changed.
- Parenting planA document setting out how parents will raise their child after separating: how decisions are made about things like school and health care, and a schedule of time with each parent.
- ParentageBeing a child's legal parent, with the rights and responsibilities that go with it.
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Sources
The official documents this definition is based on, with the date we last read each one. Definitions are in our own words.
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MediationList. (2026, October 28). Child support: Definition. https://mediationlist.com/glossary/child-support/
APA 7th ed. A retrieval date is included only for pages whose content changes, such as maps, data and tools.