Child Support-When Does It End?
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This is a common question asked by those obligated to pay child support. The general thought is that it ends at either the , and/or graduation from High School. However, the first problem with this is that 18 is not the Age of Majority in every state. In Mississippi it is age 21, while in American Samoa, it's age 14. Plus, there are other considerations, such as College and any extended disability in the child(ren).
Contents at a Glance
Other Child Support Articles
It's Not Being Spent On The Kids
Custodial Parent Income Change
WARNING: If you have a child support payroll attachment, READ THIS!
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This material is provided by the Dads House Educational Center in Yahoo Groups, with over a decade of educating Divorced and Single Fathers on their Rights and Responsibilities as Parents. ©
When It Ends
First, it should be noted that Florida has removed its law addressing this. Unless specified in the original court order, it continues until ruled on otherwise by the court.
Check the list below to see if it extends beyond age 18, or stops before than under certain circumstances. If you live in a state where it's time for your child support to end on one or more of your children, contact Child Support Enforce to make an official request to modify or discontinue the support order at least 60 days prior to the date. By not doing so, the agency will continue to deduct the amount from your payroll, and there is no refund, as this New York father learned, "Man wrongly docked $40G from paycheck for child support".
It takes at least this long to be considered for a modification. When going the Child Support Enforcement Office to make the request, a man should consider taking a woman with him. By having her make the initial request for info, there is less of a chance of being denied as sometimes they are less accommodating of men. If you must file your own request with the court, this is similar to the filing of a Child Support Modification.
College Years
Note that some states do require child support through college, plus this could be an added obligation under a court order in all states.
Following is a list of states and the designated ages. Check Child Support Collections.com for further info on a state's child support laws. Note that in Mississippi and New York, child support does not end until age 21, regardless of circumstances.
These States require child support paid into the college years
- Arizona to age 21
- District of Columbia to age 21
- Iowa to age 22
- Massachusetts to age 22
- Missouri to age 22, with a requirement of 5 credit hours minimum
- New Jersey to age 22
- Utah to age 21
- Washington to age 22 plus college expenses
State List
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Alabama
Generally, at 19 years of age.
Arkansas
Generally, the obligation ends when the child reaches 18 years of age or the child graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. A child will also automatically be ineligible for child support if that child marries, is removed from disability status by a court order, or the child dies.
Arizona
Generally, when the child reaches 18 years of age or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. A child automatically becomes ineligible for child support if he/she marries, is adopted, or dies.
California
The child support obligation continues past 18 years of age, as long as the child is unmarried, is a full-time high school student and is not self-supporting. In this case, the child support obligation will end when the child reaches 19 years of age or graduates high school, whichever of these occurs first.
Colorado
If your child support order was entered on or after July, 1997, the support obligation stops when the child turns 19 unless:
the parties agree otherwise by a stipulation signed after July 1997
the child is mentally or physically disabled, and the court orders past age 19
the child is in high school, or an equivalent program; in this case, support continues until a month after graduation but not beyond the age of 21
If your child support order was entered prior to July, 1997, the support obligation terminates when the child turns 19 unless:
the parties agree otherwise by a written stipulation after July 1, 1991
the child is mentally or physically disabled and the court orders support past age 19
the child is in high school, or an equivalent program, in which case, support continues until a month after graduation but not beyond the age of 21 unless there is an order for post-secondary education ordering support to continue through post-secondary education
Connecticut
If there is an unmarried child that's reached 18, is a full-time high school student and lives with one of the parents, the parents will maintain their respective support if the child needs it, until the child completes the twelfth grade or reaches 19 years of age, whichever comes first. If the child becomes emancipated, the obligation to pay support ends.
Delaware
If there is an unmarried child that's reached 18, is a full-time high school student and lives with one of the parents, the parents will maintain their respective support if the child needs it, until the child completes the twelfth grade or reaches 19 years of age, whichever comes first.
District of Columbia
When the child is age 21.
Florida
If there is an unmarried child that's reached 18, is a full-time high school student and lives with one of the parents, the parents will maintain their respective support if the child needs it, until the child completes the twelfth grade or reaches 19 years of age, whichever comes first.
Note: A new law that modifies when child support will end is set to take effect on October 1, 2010. The new statute provides that all child support orders entered after October 1st must provide a date at which the order must be terminated or modified.
Georgia
Generally, the obligation ends when the child reaches 18 years of age or the child graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. A child will also automatically be ineligible for child support if that child marries, is removed from disability status by a court order, or the child dies.
Guam
Generally, the obligation ends when the child reaches 18 years of age or the child graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. However, a court can order the obligation to continue for an indefinite period if the child is disabled. A child will automatically be ineligible for child support if that child marries, is removed from disability status by a court order, or the child dies.
Idaho
When the child turns 18 years of age. If the child is still in high school, payments will continue until the child graduates or turns 19, whichever occurs first.
Indiana
The obligation ends when the child reaches 19 years of age, unless emancipated prior to this age.
Illinois
Generally, the obligation ends when the child reaches 18 years of age.
Iowa
Generally, the obligation ends when the child reaches 18 years of age or the child graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. A child will also automatically be ineligible for child support if that child marries, is removed from disability status by a court order, or the child dies.
Kansas
Generally, the obligation ends when the child reaches 18 years of age unless the child is still in high school - in which case the support ends upon the child's graduation from high school, or the child's 19th birthday, whichever occurs first.
Kentucky
Generally, the obligation ends when the child reaches 18 years of age unless the child is still in high school - in which case the support ends upon the child's graduation from high school, or the child's 19th birthday, whichever occurs first.
Louisiana
Generally, the obligation ends when the child reaches 18 years of age unless the child is still in high school - in which case the support ends upon the child's graduation from high school, or the child's 19th birthday, whichever occurs first.
Maine
Generally, the obligation ends when the child reaches 18 years of age unless the child is still in high school - in which case the support ends upon the child's graduation from high school, or the child's 19th birthday, whichever occurs first. A child will also automatically be ineligible for child support if that child marries, or becomes a member of the armed services.
Maryland
Generally, the obligation ends when the child reaches 18 years of age or the child graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. A child will also automatically be ineligible for child support if that child marries, is removed from disability status by a court order, or the child dies.
Massachusetts
Generally, the obligation ends when the child reaches 18 years of age.
Michigan
Generally, the obligation ends when the child reaches 18 years of age or the child graduates from high school, whichever occurs later.
Minnesota
Generally, the obligation ends when the child reaches 18 years of age or the child graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. A child will also automatically be ineligible for child support if that child marries, or is removed from disability status by a court order.
Mississippi
Generally, the obligation ends when the child reaches 21 years of age.
Missouri
Generally, the obligation ends when the child reaches 18 years of age or the child graduates from high school, whichever occurs later, but continues until age 23 if attending college with a five credit hour minimum. A child will also automatically be ineligible for child support if that child marries, is removed from disability status by a court order, or the child dies.
Montana
Generally, the obligation ends when the child reaches 18 years of age or the child graduates from high school, whichever occurs later.
Nebraska
Generally, at 19 years of age.
Nevada
Generally, the obligation ends when the child reaches 18 years of age unless the child is still in high school - in which case the support ends upon the child's graduation from high school, or the child's 19th birthday, whichever occurs first. A child will also automatically be ineligible for child support if that child is removed from disability status by a court order.
New Hampshire
Generally, the obligation ends when the child reaches 18 years of age. Obligation also ends when the child gets married or begins military service.
New Jersey
There is no fixed age in New Jersey when support stops. Once your child turns 18 and/or becomes financially independent, either you or the other parent must file papers with the court asking that the order be terminated or adjusted. This is known as "emancipation." Based on the facts, the court will decide if the child still needs support from the parents.
Generally, the court presumes that children under 18 need support from their parents. In some cases, support may continue through college or longer. Support may terminate automatically if your current order specifies a date, age or circumstance when support stops.
New Mexico
Generally, the obligation ends when the child reaches 18 years of age. A child will also automatically be ineligible for child support if that child marries, or is removed from disability status by a court order.
New York
Generally, the obligation ends when the child reaches 21 years of age. A child over the age of 21 will also automatically be ineligible for child support if that child is removed from disability status by a court order.
North Carolina
Generally, the obligation ends when the child reaches 18 years of age.
If the child is already otherwise emancipated, payments will stop at the time of emancipation.
If the child is still in primary or secondary school when he or she reaches the age of 18, support payments will continue until that child graduates, ceases to attend school on a regular basis, fails to make satisfactory academic progress towards graduation or reaches the age of 20 - whichever of these comes first. Based on its discretion, the court may order payments to cease at age 18, regardless of graduation date or any other factors.
North Dakota
Generally, the obligation ends when the child reaches 18 years of age.
Ohio
Generally, the obligation ends when the child reaches 18 years of age or the child graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. A child will also automatically be ineligible for child support if that child marries, or is removed from disability status by a court order.
Oklahoma
When the child reaches the age of 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs last. If the child marries, child support is no longer required.
Oregon
Generally, the obligation ends when the child reaches 18 years of age or 21 years of age if the child is in school half-time or more.
Pennsylvania
Generally, the obligation ends when the child reaches 18 years of age or the child graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. A child will also automatically be ineligible for child support is removed from disability status by a court order.
Puerto Rico
Generally, the obligation ends when the child reaches 18 years of age or the child graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. However, a court can order the obligation to continue for an indefinite period if the child is disabled. A child will automatically be ineligible for child support if that child marries, is removed from disability status by a court order, or the child dies.
Rhode Island
Generally, the obligation ends when the child reaches 18 years of age. The court has the discretion to order child support and educational expenses for children attending high school when the child is 18 or for 90 days after graduation. Child support will not be awarded for a child 19 years or older. If the child suffers from disabilities that require care and expense, the court may award support until he or she reaches 21 years of age.
South Carolina
Generally, the obligation ends when the child reaches 18 years of age or the child graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. A child will also automatically be ineligible for child support if that child is removed from disability status by a court order.
South Dakota
Generally, the obligation ends when the child reaches 18 years of age unless the child is still in high school - in which case the support ends upon the child's graduation from high school, or the child's 19th birthday, whichever occurs first. A child will also automatically be ineligible for child support if that child marries, is removed from disability status by a court order, or the child dies.
Tennessee
Generally, the obligation ends when the child reaches 18 years of age or the child graduates from high school, whichever occurs later.
Texas
Generally, the obligation ends when the child reaches 18 years of age or the child graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. However, a court can order the obligation to continue for an indefinite period if the child is disabled. A child will automatically be ineligible for child support if that child marries, is removed from disability status by a court order, or the child dies.
Utah
Generally, the obligation ends when the child reaches 18 years of age or the child graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. A child will also automatically be ineligible for child support if that child marries, is removed from disability status by a court order, or the child dies.
Vermont
Generally, the obligation ends when the child reaches 18 years of age or the child graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. A child will also automatically be ineligible for child support if that child marries, is removed from disability status by a court order, or the child dies.
Virgin Islands
Generally, the obligation ends when the child reaches 18 years of age or the child graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. However, a court can order the obligation to continue for an indefinite period if the child is disabled. A child will automatically be ineligible for child support if that child marries, is removed from disability status by a court order, or the child dies.
Virginia
Generally, the obligation ends when the child reaches 18 years of age or the child graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. A child will also automatically be ineligible for child support if that child marries, is removed from disability status by a court order, or the child dies.
Washington
Generally, the obligation ends when the child reaches 18 years of age or the child graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. A child will also automatically be ineligible for child support if that child marries, is removed from disability status by a court order, or the child dies.
When considering whether or not to order support for post secondary educational expenses, the court shall determine whether or not the child is in fact dependent and is relying upon the parents for the reasonable necessities of life. The court will exercise its discretion when determining whether or not and for how long to award post secondary educational support based upon the following factors:
the age of the child
the child's needs
the expectations of the parties for their children when the parents were together
the child's prospects, desires, aptitudes, abilities and/or disabilities
the nature of the post secondary education being sought
the parents' level of education
the parents' standard of living
the parents' current and future resources
the amount and type of support that the child would have received if the parents had stayed together
West Virginia
Generally, the obligation ends when the child reaches 18 years of age or the child graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. A child will also automatically be ineligible for child support if that child marries, is removed from disability status by a court order, or the child dies.
Upon finding good cause, a court may order that child support payments continue beyond the age of 18 if the child is unmarried, residing with a parent and is enrolled as a full-time student in a secondary or vocational program and making substantial progress towards a diploma. In this case, payments will not extend past the date that the child reaches the age of 20.
Wisconsin
Generally, the obligation ends when the child reaches 18 years of age or the child graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. A child will also automatically be ineligible for child support if that child marries, is removed from disability status by a court order, or the child dies.
Wyoming
Generally, the obligation ends when the child reaches 18 years of age or the child graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. A child will also automatically be ineligible for child support if that child marries, is legally emancipated, dies or enters military service.
Writing Letters
Fathers are a frequent target of the media and politicians in citing what they think is wrong with America. They blame us for fatherless children, even though 40% of divorced/single mothers deny fathers access to their children. They call us deadbeat dads, even though only 3% of those ordered to pay child support refuse to. They claim that millions of single mothers are not getting child support, without mentioning that 75% never applied for any, and/or do not know who the father is.
If we are to curb the negative picture presented about fathers, then fathers need to be expressing their opinions on that. You can be doing that by writing letters to your politicians, and to the Editorial Letter page of newspapers.
These links will teach you how to do just that. Consider doing that at least once a month. We cannot make our voices heard if we are not willing to speak up.
Reading Corner
Reader Comments
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Marcy
May 13, 2012 @ 2:37 am | delete
- What should be done if the young man is now 19 getting ready to turn 20 in a few months and is in his second semester of college, which first semester consisted of only 3 credit hours, does not live at home and hasn't since the beginning of his senior year of high school because the custodial parent moved from Missouri to Kentucky and he stayed behind living with friends to finish his senior year. The non custodial parent lives over 100 miles away, that's why he did not live with him during that time. He is still only taking 4 credit hous and somehow was able qualify for financial aid, which means he must not be showing any type of support from the custodial parent. The custodial parents household makes over a hundred thousand a year. The financial aid papers are in his name only. The non custodial parent has paid child support for the last 15 years on time through the state plus has always paid extra for car insurance, school,special events,clothes and bought first car, which was not required. I believe even though he is only 19 the support that's being sent to the custodial parent should stop. Now let the non custodial decide how the money is spent because you see what is being sent to the custodial parent isnt always being spent on the 19 year old. What do you think am I wrong for feeling this would be fair?
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George_McCasland
May 13, 2012 @ 8:07 pm | delete
- Go to child support enforcement and make an official request for order to be modified for the money to go to the child, which could have been done when he turned age 18.
Is she paying for his schooling, and if not, is she providing her portion of the child support obligation to the child?
The Missouri guidelines take into account the incomes of both parents, which means that she is suppose to be provide him with her portion of her income. Though I do not know anyone who has tried it, ask child support enforcement to file a motion to enforce her obligation to the child. If you can, record their response, I would like to hear what they say. You may need to actually file a motion to enforce, which would be done pro per using forms from the Clerk of the Court.
This could make for an interesting case. Come to Dads House for us to further discuss this.
http://www.facebook.com/DadsHouseEdCenter
http://www.facebook.com/groups/Mo.DadsHouseEdCtr/
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JJNW
Mar 18, 2012 @ 11:12 pm | delete
- As a mom, I plan on supporting my children throughout their lives...because I love them.
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Feb 17, 2012 @ 1:27 pm | delete
- Awesome lens!
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The Mission of the Dads House Educational Center Groups is to teach Divorced & Single Fathers on their rights AND responsibilities to children. more »
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