2007-10-02 09:11:12 · 23 answers · asked by shelly 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Other - Pregnancy & Parenting
At 18, your child is a legal adult and you no longer have to pay child support. However, if he or she is going to college, I would think helping to fund your child's education and give them a good start in life would be a financial priority for you, regardless of whether you're legally obligated to do so.
2007-10-02 09:15:14 · answer #1 · answered by Heather 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If the child is over the age of 18, you have no back unpaid charges and your legal papers say it's good. It's good. It's the common thought that no, the money stops accruing when the child (or children) turn 18.
But on another thought, why would you stop paying for your child? At 18 they still need help with guidance, college, living, etc.
Let's just say, you stop having to pay by law but it's your own values that will determine whether you need to stop all together.
2007-10-02 09:21:18 · answer #2 · answered by Little Taylor 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, if the child is still in high school. If the child is no longer enrolled in high school and is not considered special needs, payments end the same month s/he turns 18. That is,unless the court order says something else. If it is unclear in your custody/divorce papers, then return to court to get a ruling. For instance, if the child was held back a grade, they will be in high school at age 19 and get support until they graduate.
Contrary to what a lot of posters are saying, most court orders do not require you to pay until 21 unless your child is special needs. College is voluntary. My state has thrown out any requirements to pay college since it is not required of married people.
2007-10-02 09:14:18 · answer #3 · answered by CarbonDated 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In most instances NO. But I have heard in many cases where child support has been paid up until the age of 21 as long as the "child" is a full time student or special needs. You need to go over all that with your lawyer to make sure.
My sister's oldest turned 18 last December and they immediately stopped the child support even though she was still in high school still with many many financial needs.
But I guess they just base it on a case by case.
2007-10-02 09:28:59 · answer #4 · answered by texicangirl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will still have to pay if you owe back child support that accrued before the child turned 18.
2007-10-02 09:15:01 · answer #5 · answered by stefani80 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You usually have to continue to pay child support until your child has graduated highschool. After that, it depends on what the court order states. If you are divorced, there may be provisions that would continue child support into the college years.
2007-10-02 09:18:27 · answer #6 · answered by Becky 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't have to, but you should.
18 is still a child and he or she needs your support to help with school and basic life necessities.
Do what is right by your child. Not the state.
2007-10-02 09:15:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
no child support stops at the age of 18
2007-10-02 09:14:12 · answer #8 · answered by joanna r 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe that 18 is that age that your child support obligation ends. However, if you owe in back support, you will be paying until that has a zero balance.
2007-10-02 09:21:20 · answer #9 · answered by gentle understanding 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the court order, for example my dad only had to pay until my sister graduated or turned 18. My fiance's court order states until 18 or marrige which ever comes first.
2007-10-02 09:18:50 · answer #10 · answered by caitlynnsmom02 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋