When does child support end?

Question

I live in Connecticut. I got divorced in the late 1990s. At the time, Connecticut law said I must pay child support until my son is 18. He turns 18 in a couple of months. However, some people are telling me the laws have changed and now child support continues while the child is in college. Nobody was sure if this new law applies to old cases though.
I sure would like to know what is up with this...my court appearance is in two weeks and I have no idea what I am in for. My attorney is on vacation and nobody at the courthouse knew the answer.

Answer 1

It goes by what is in your divorce decree, what you signed and agreed to doesn't change just because laws have changed over time.

More than lilkely it states that child support ends at the time the child turns 18, or graduates high school. If the child is still in HS at the time he turns 18, you still pay until he graduates.

If the two of you did not make any financial arrangements when it comes to his college tuition, you two either have to come to an agreement, or it will probably end up in court. (If your son is going to college)

Answer 2

Child support normally ends at age 18. Under some circumstances, a parent can be court-ordered to pay support through college, or to pay certain college expenses - and that can apply to old cases as well as new. Your attorney will have the best advice on what applies to you.

Answer 3

at 18

Answer 4

Here is the link for the law in Connecticut. I think what you are referring to beyond 18 is the educational piece, which requires you to pay for part of their college if they decide to go.
http://www.jud.ct.gov/lawlib/Notebooks/Pathfinders/ChildSupport/ChildSupp.htm#sec_8

From what I read, once a child turns 18 and has graduated from the 12th grade, then the support is terminated. However, if they are 18 and still not graduated from high school and living at home and unmarried, then support continues up to 19.

Hope this helps.

Answer 5

when there 18. my dad had to pay child support for my other half brothers and sisters so i know all about it. the law wont change. when the child turns 18 they become an adult they can move out move out if they want and blah blah. the laws for that will never change. its 18 and will always be 18.
for college... i think you will have to help pay, but you really need to talk to someone to find out for sure like the courts.

Answer 6

I found this on line by just using search engine-child support , Conn. Good luck. sounds like you don't pay unless you agreed to in the divorce


Prior to October 1, 2002: The court has no authority to order child support past the age of 19. If the parties provide for post-majority support (i.e. college expenses) in their written separation agreement, the court will enforce that agreement. For orders entered after October 1, 2001, Judges have the authority to modify post-majority support agreements like any other order of child support.
After October 1, 2002: The new law, "Educational Support Orders." Conn

Answer 7

It all depends on the judge's ruling- he may decide to honor your previous arrangements or to reinstate child support past the age of 18. Also, the laws for support past the age of 18 have stipulations for example:
The child must still live with the custodial parent and/or be in school full time.
If the child-...
quits school
gets married
gets a job
moves out...
support legally stops

Answer 8

It's best to get the answer from your attorney, as he will be familiar with the particular laws that apply to your case. But, from what I understand, you will need to pay child support until your child graduates from college, or turns 21.

Answer 9

I would think it depends how it is worded in the divorce decree. If nothing states that you pay child support until the child is finished with college...I would say that the support stops when the child turns 18.

Answer 10

I work for the Court system in my State and here it does stop at 18, unelss you are in arrears (having to pay back child support). Defintily check this out with an attorney for sure.