How far back can child support go in California?

Asked by: Ms. Kaycee Hill Jr.  |  Last update: January 21, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (19 votes)

How Far Back Can Child Support Be Claimed? The payment of retroactive child support in California is limited to the 3 years before the petition is filed. Thus, a person who seeks retroactive child support should file a petition with the appropriate court as soon as possible.

Is there a statute of limitations on back child support in California?

Thus, all child support orders remain enforceable in perpetuity until paid. In other words, there is no statute of limitations with respect to enforcing a child support order (regardless of the date of the order).

Is there a time limit to file for child support in California?

Unlike many other legal matters, California sets no statute of limitations for collecting past-due child support.

Can child support go past 18 years in California?

The duty can continue after a child turns 18 (or 19) if the child is disabled and can't support themselves or if the parents agree for support to continue.

Does California have a cap on child support?

The state places no cap on the amount of child support a paying parent must pay each month. Instead, it's based solely on the amount of income both parents make each month, the amount the greater-earning parent earns, and the parenting/custody time of each parent.

California Child Support Laws 2024: Major Changes You Need to Know!

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How much back child support is a felony in California?

In California, consistent failure to pay child support can result in a felony charge. This is when the parent who should be paying support owes more than $2,500 in back payments. If the total sum is less than that, there is still time for other solutions to be implemented before it reaches this point.

What is the most money child support can take?

A: The most money child support can take in California is up to 60% of a person's wages if they are only responsible for one child. If they are responsible for two or more children, then up to 50% of their wages can be garnished. Wage garnishment can sometimes be mandated by a court order.

How far back can you claim child support in California?

How Far Back Can Child Support Be Claimed? The payment of retroactive child support in California is limited to the 3 years before the petition is filed. Thus, a person who seeks retroactive child support should file a petition with the appropriate court as soon as possible.

What is the new child support law in 2024 in California?

Effective January 1, 2024, the bill repeals provisions for expedited support orders. This change simplifies the process, potentially reducing confusion and legal complexities for parents. As a result, families in San Diego may find the initial stages of establishing child support less rushed and more thorough.

Can I sue for back child support after 18?

The laws on suing for back child support differ from state to state. Some states have a statute of limitations on enforcing a court order. In California, a parent or child has 10 years to launch a lawsuit. 10 years past the child's 19th birthday, if the child was in high school past their 18th.

How late can you file for child support?

It's generally never too late to create a child support agreement. While most arrangements are negotiated during the divorce process, there's nothing that can prohibit exes from handling other issues first and hammering out child support later.

How can I legally stop paying child support in California?

Legal Requirements for Child Support Termination in California
  1. Child Emancipation: When a child reaches the age of majority (usually 18 years old) and becomes financially independent.
  2. Changes in Custody: Significant alterations in custody arrangements that affect the need for ongoing support.

Do child support judgments expire in California?

add Does the lien or abstract ever expire? No. As long as the support debt is owed the lien or abstract remains active. The California Civil Code exempts support judgments from renewal requirements and the support order or judgment is enforceable until paid in full.

How far behind in child support before a warrant is issued in California?

Failure to follow a child support order can have negative legal consequences. If a parent misses one or more child support payments, the court may issue a warrant for the arrest of that parent.

Can I sue my ex for back child support?

Legal Rights to Sue for Back Child Support

This process involves filing a court order and meeting legal prerequisites, including adhering to any statute of limitations. In cases where the non-custodial parent lacks immediate funds, the court order ensures future payment as the parent acquires the means.

Can child support be forgiven in California?

In most cases, child support arrears cannot be simply forgiven or dismissed as it is debt that stems from court-ordered child support. Similarly, child support arrears are not dischargeable in bankruptcy.

At what age does a father stop paying child support in California?

Standard Termination at Age 18

When a child reaches this age, they are legally considered an adult, and they are expected to be self-sufficient. Therefore, the parent paying child support is no longer obligated to make these payments.

Can I go after my ex husbands new wife for child support in California?

Under California law, for the most part, a new spouse's income is not used in the calculation for child support. It may only be considered when not doing so would cause extreme and severe hardship to the child involved. Usually, the calculation is made strictly using the parents' gross income.

Can you sue for back child support after 18 in California?

A parent who owes back support may have to pay the arrearages even after the child has turned 18. However, there's a three-year time limit for filing a motion in court to have a parent found in contempt for willfully failing to obey a child support order.

Is there a statute of limitations on collecting back child support in California?

There is not a statute of limitations on California child support payments. Child support that has been ordered will never expire without being paid.

Can child support be backdated in California?

Under Family Code section 4009: “[a]n original order for child support may be made retroactive to the date of filing the petition, complaint, or other initial pleading.”

Is child support a write off in California?

Since child support is never deductible, there is no way for a spouse to up their child support payments in hope of a tax advantage that does not exist. Speak with a California child support attorney about other tax credit options that may be available in your case.

What is the average child support payment for one child in California?

However, it is believed that, on average, residents of California paying child support pay between $400-500 per child every month. If you're wondering how much you might have to pay in child support, you should consult with a legal professional, as it will be based on your and your co-parent's financial situation.

Can child support take 100% of your paycheck?

The garnishment law allows up to 50% of a worker's disposable earnings to be garnished for these purposes if the worker is supporting another spouse or child, or up to 60% if the worker is not. An additional 5% may be garnished for support payments more than l2 weeks in arrears.

Does child support go down if the father has another baby in California?

It's important to understand that simply having another child does not automatically reduce your child support obligation. However, if your circumstances have changed, it is possible to seek a modification of the child support agreement.