Adult Child Support Attorney in Los Angeles, CA
Experienced Legal Guidance for Adult Child Support Cases in LA County
At the Law Offices of Korol & Velen, we provide comprehensive legal representation for parents navigating adult child support matters throughout Los Angeles County. While California child support obligations typically end when a child turns 18 or graduates from high school, there are important circumstances under which support may continue into adulthood.
Whether you're seeking to establish support for an adult child with disabilities, modify an existing order, or understand your ongoing obligations, our firm brings the knowledge and compassion necessary to guide you through this process. Our positive testimonials speak volumes about our dedication to supporting our clients.
Need help with adult child support in Los Angeles? Contact us online or call (818) 962-4669 today to request an initial consultation with our attorneys.
When Does Child Support Extend Beyond Age 18 in California?
California law recognizes specific situations where child support obligations may extend beyond the standard termination age. These include:
Adult Children with Disabilities
If a child has a physical or mental disability that prevents them from being self-supporting, child support can continue indefinitely. The disability must have existed before the child turned 18, and the court must determine that continued support is necessary. Los Angeles courts carefully evaluate medical documentation, the child's ability to earn income, and their ongoing care needs when making these determinations.
Children Still in High School
When a child turns 18 but hasn't yet graduated from high school, support typically continues until graduation or the child turns 19, whichever comes first. This provision is particularly relevant in LA County, where many students attend year-round or alternative education programs.
Court-Ordered Extensions
In some cases, parents may voluntarily agree, or a court may order, that support continues beyond the standard termination date. This might include support for college expenses or vocational training, though such arrangements are not automatically required under California law.
Establishing and Modifying Adult Child Support in Los Angeles
Our firm assists clients throughout LA County in filing petitions for continued support, gathering medical and financial evidence, negotiating agreements between parents, and presenting compelling cases to Los Angeles family courts. The high cost of living in Los Angeles significantly impacts adult child support cases, with courts considering local housing costs, medical care expenses, and the general economic landscape when determining appropriate support amounts.
Life circumstances change, and adult child support orders may need modification. Whether you're a paying parent experiencing financial hardship or a custodial parent facing increased expenses, our Los Angeles attorneys can assist you in petitioning for modifications. California courts require substantial evidence of changed circumstances before modifying existing orders.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Korol & Velen?
Handling adult child support cases in Los Angeles requires not only knowledge of California family law but also sensitivity to the unique challenges families face when caring for adult children with special needs.
Our attorneys bring decades of combined experience representing clients throughout LA County in complex family law matters. We provide strategic counsel tailored to your family's specific circumstances, whether you need to establish initial support, modify existing orders, or enforce payment obligations.
Facing adult child support issues in Los Angeles? Submit a contact form or call our office at (818) 962-4669 to discuss your case with compassionate, knowledgeable attorneys.
Award-Winning Counsel
On Your Side
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Rated Amongst the Top 50 Women Attorneys in Southern California
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Selected to Super Lawyers Every Year Since 2007
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Board Certified California Family Law Specialist
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40 Years of Combined Legal Experience
Frequently Asked Questions About Adult Child Support in Los Angeles
Does child support automatically continue if my child has a disability?
No, child support does not automatically continue. You must petition the court and provide evidence that your adult child has a disability that prevents them from being self-supporting. The disability must have existed before the child turned 18, and you'll need medical documentation and financial information. Our Los Angeles attorneys can help you navigate this process and present a compelling petition.
What qualifies as a disability for adult child support purposes in California?
California law recognizes both physical and mental disabilities that prevent an adult child from earning a living and being self-sufficient. This includes developmental disabilities, severe mental illness, physical impairments, or cognitive limitations. Courts evaluate each case individually based on medical evidence, the child's functional abilities, and their capacity for employment.
Can I be required to pay for my adult child's college education?
California law does not automatically require parents to pay child support for college expenses. However, parents can voluntarily agree to continue support for educational purposes, and such agreements can be incorporated into court orders.
What reasons allow for modifying an adult child support order?
Orders can be modified based on changes in the adult child's medical condition or care needs, substantial income changes for either parent, alterations in living arrangements or caregiving responsibilities, or new information about the adult child's ability to work or be self-supporting.
How does Los Angeles' high cost of living affect adult child support amounts?
Los Angeles County's elevated cost of living is a significant factor in adult child support cases. Courts consider local expenses such as housing costs, medical care, specialized therapy, and daily living expenses when determining appropriate support amounts.
What happens if the paying parent stops making adult child support payments?
Adult child support orders are enforceable just like standard child support orders. Enforcement options include wage garnishment, bank levies, tax refund interception, license suspensions, and contempt of court proceedings. Our Los Angeles attorneys can help custodial parents pursue enforcement actions or help paying parents request modifications if they're experiencing legitimate financial hardship.
