How long must child support be paid?

 

Child support rules are set by individual states, so there is no one set age at which child support will stop. However, the purpose of child support, which is to ensure that a child enjoys a standard of living comparable to his or her parents and that the child is financially supported by both parents, helps to dictate how long support must be paid.

When Child Support Ends

While the laws vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, there are some common milestones that set standard ages and apply in many states. For example:

• Some states dictate that parents will no longer be responsible for child support once the child turns 18.
• Others allow for support until the child is 19.
• Still others want to make sure the child receives support until his or her 21st birthday.
• Other states dictate that the parents will not be required to pay child support once a child graduates from high school. If the child graduates late, such as at age 20, that could mean the parent is required to pay child support until the child's 20th birthday.

There may also be special circumstances or provisions in place if a child is disabled or will require care beyond the period of normal childhood. These rules, and whether or not such rules even exist, are also set on a state level and may vary greatly.

Other Situations

Aside from ending when a child reaches the age of maturity, as set by the state, child support can also be terminated in the event of the death of the child, if the child goes on active duty in the armed forces, or if the child becomes emancipated or self-supporting.

Getting Help

To determine what the specific rules are for child support and when it ends in your state, you should strongly consider speaking with an experienced attorney for advice.