Dennis Quaid Files to End $13,750 Monthly Child Support After Twins Graduate High School
Actor Dennis Quaid, 72, has filed a petition to terminate his $13,750 monthly child support payments to ex-wife Kimberly Buffington following the high school graduation of their 18-year-old twins, Zoe and Thomas. The filing highlights a common dispute in California family law: when exactly does child support end, and how should income-based bonus payments be calculated in the final year? For California parents approaching their child's 18th birthday, this case illustrates critical timing and procedural requirements that can mean thousands of dollars in overpayments or underpayments.
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| What happened | Dennis Quaid filed petition to terminate child support |
| Monthly amount | $13,750 per month |
| Children | Twins Zoe and Thomas, age 18 |
| Triggering event | High school graduation (May 2026) |
| Key statute | Cal. Fam. Code § 3901 |
| Dispute | Proration of bonus payments through graduation vs. full year |
California Law Sets Clear Termination Rules
Under California Family Code § 3901, child support automatically terminates when a child turns 18 and graduates from high school, whichever occurs later—but no later than age 19. The statute creates a bright-line rule: if the child turns 18 before graduating, support continues until graduation day. If graduation happens before the 18th birthday, support continues until they turn 18.
For the Quaid twins, who turned 18 and then graduated high school in May 2026, this means support obligations should end on the graduation date. However, California law does not provide for automatic termination. The paying parent must file a motion with the court to formally end the obligation.
Why Filing a Termination Motion Matters
Many California parents mistakenly believe child support simply stops on the termination date. This is incorrect and potentially costly. Without a court order modifying or terminating support, the existing order remains in effect. According to the California Department of Child Support Services, unpaid support accrues at 10% annual interest under Cal. Fam. Code § 155. A parent who stops paying without a court order could face wage garnishment, tax refund intercepts, or even contempt proceedings.
Quaid's decision to file proactively demonstrates proper procedure. The court will review the petition, confirm the children meet termination criteria, and issue an order ending the support obligation.
The Bonus Payment Dispute Explained
Quaid's filing includes a second request that many high-income California divorces face: prorating income-based bonus payments. When divorcing couples with significant income disparities settle support, agreements often include a base monthly amount plus a percentage of annual bonuses, commissions, or other variable income.
The dispute centers on timing. If Quaid's agreement requires him to pay a percentage of his 2026 annual bonus as supplemental support, should that payment cover the entire year or only the months before the twins graduated? Under general California contract interpretation principles, courts look to the specific language of the agreement.
How Courts Interpret Proration Disputes
California courts applying Cal. Fam. Code § 4065 examine whether the support agreement explicitly addresses termination-year calculations. If the agreement states bonus payments are due "annually" without proration language, courts may order the full year's percentage. If the agreement ties payments to "months support is owed," proration applies.
In cases where agreements are silent on this issue, courts generally favor proration based on the rationale that support is meant to cover the child's needs during the support period, not create a windfall after support ends. A May 2026 graduation would suggest proration through approximately 41.7% of the year (January through mid-May).
Practical Takeaways for California Parents
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File a termination motion 30-60 days before the expected end date to ensure court processing time does not create an overpayment situation.
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Review your support agreement's language regarding bonus payments, commissions, and other variable income before the final year to understand your obligations.
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Calculate proration carefully using the specific termination date, not the month or quarter, to determine precise obligations.
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Document the graduation date with official school records, as courts require proof that the termination criteria under Cal. Fam. Code § 3901 have been met.
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Request a formal court order even if both parents agree support should end, as verbal agreements are not enforceable and existing orders remain valid until modified.
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Address college support separately, as California does not require parents to pay support for adult children attending college unless the parties specifically agreed to such terms in their settlement.
What About College-Age Children?
California law does not extend mandatory child support beyond high school graduation and age 19, regardless of college enrollment. This differs from states like New York, which can order support through age 21, or New Jersey, which may extend support through college. Under Cal. Fam. Code § 3901(a), once the statutory criteria are met, the support obligation ends.
However, parents can voluntarily agree to college support in their marital settlement agreement. These provisions are enforceable as contract terms under Cal. Fam. Code § 4065. Without such an agreement, the paying parent has no legal obligation to contribute to college expenses.
FAQs
Does California child support automatically end at 18?
No, California child support does not automatically terminate at age 18. Under Cal. Fam. Code § 3901, support continues until the child turns 18 and graduates high school, whichever is later, but not beyond age 19. The paying parent must file a motion with the court to formally terminate the order.
Can I stop paying child support when my child graduates high school?
You should not stop paying without a court order. Even after your child graduates, the existing support order remains legally enforceable until a judge modifies or terminates it. Unpaid amounts accrue 10% annual interest under California law and can result in wage garnishment or contempt charges.
How do I terminate child support in California?
File a motion to terminate child support with the family court that issued the original order. Include proof of the child's age (birth certificate) and high school graduation (diploma or school verification letter). Court filing fees in California range from $60-$435 depending on the county and case type.
Are bonus payments included in California child support calculations?
Yes, bonus payments and other irregular income can be included in California child support under Cal. Fam. Code § 4058. Courts may order a percentage of bonuses as additional support or average irregular income over multiple years to calculate a stable monthly amount.
Does California require parents to pay for college after divorce?
No, California law does not require divorced parents to pay for adult children's college expenses. Support obligations end under Cal. Fam. Code § 3901 when the child turns 18 and graduates high school. College support is only required if parents specifically agreed to it in their marital settlement agreement.
If you are approaching a child support termination situation in California, consulting with a family law attorney can help ensure you follow proper procedures and protect your rights.
This article discusses recent news and provides general legal commentary. It does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. Consult a qualified family law attorney for advice specific to your situation.