If you are the parents of a minor-aged child, there is a requirement for child support to be ordered in most instances. Regardless of what the parent volunteers to pay or any other consideration, the parent who holds physical primary custody of the child has a right to expect child support up to a certain point in time. To find out more about the ending of child support, read on.
When Majority Is Reached
Each state mandates its own rules about when court-ordered child support is to end. The general rule is that child support will end when the child reaches the age of 18 since that is considered the age of majority in most states.
When an Education Milestone Is Reached
Other states take the view that a child needs financial support through the date of their high school graduation. This can be appropriate for children that turn 18 during their final year and are still attending high school. Some child support orders limit child support to age 20, whether the child has graduated high school or not. It is not uncommon for a parent to be ordered to pay child support while the child attends college and may continue until they graduate with a bachelor's degree or reach a certain age of about 23.
When Parental Finances and Custody Changes
While child support must always be paid based on one of the above milestones, it may not be owed by the same parent throughout the child's life. Child support amounts are based on who has physical custody of the child and is based on the income of both parents. If child custody changes from one parent to the other, the parent who was paying child support may have their obligation terminated when they take custody. All matters pertaining to the health and well-being of a minor child can be altered when needed.
When the Child Is Emancipated
A so-called "divorce from the parents" will also call for an end to child support. An emancipated child of any age is considered financially independent due to the legal action and child support for such a child will cease immediately. A common reason for such an action is when a child is able to support themselves and has no interest in their affairs being subject to parental involvement. Relationship issues between parent and child are another common reason for child emancipation.
To find out more about when child support should end, speak to a family law attorney.
