How Old Does a Child Have to Be for Child Support to End?

When a child is young, child support makes sense. Parents must provide for their children. But at what point should your child become responsible for their own needs?

If you are paying support for a child who has graduated high school, you may wonder whether the payments are still necessary. The answer to this question varies from state to state.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the limits of child support in Orlando, FL.

What is Child Support and What Does it Cover?

Many parents get divorced every year. However, parents are obligated to provide for their children even when they are no longer together.

When parents divorce, a child support agreement is used to determine a fair monthly payment amount from the higher-earning parent.

This money should assist in every aspect of raising a child. It should account for living expenses like housing, food, water, electricity, and so on. It also includes educational expenses, healthcare costs, and more.

The specific payment amount will depend on the income of each parent. This includes all sources of income, including salary, benefits, pensions, and investments. The calculations don’t stop there, either.

A parent could be eligible for deductions from child support if they have other financial obligations, such as:

  • Taxes, including federal, state, and income
  • Health insurance payments
  • Union dues
  • Court-ordered child support for other children
  • Court-ordered spousal support for a current or previous spouse

Another factor that will be considered is the number of days the child stays with the higher-earning parent. A parent who has 50% custody will pay a lower amount than they would if they had less time with the child.

These factors will each play a role in the final decision about a fair child support payment.

When Does Child Support End?

In most cases, child support ends when the child turns 18. However, the actual end date should be specified in the initial agreement.

Keep in mind that there are circumstances in which child support will continue after the child has turned 18. For example, if the child has not graduated high school by their 18th birthday, the payments will continue until graduation.

Likewise, some situations require a parent to continue making payments even after the child’s high school years. If the child has special needs and cannot become self-supporting, the payments may not end at a given date.

How Can I Terminate Child Support Payments?

Florida law makes it easy to terminate child support arrangements on the agreed-upon date.

If you are not behind on payments and the child reaches the correct date, you can simply stop paying on the given date. You have no obligation to reach out to the court or file any documents to finish out your payments.

Can I End the Order Before My Child Turns 18?

If you believe that ending a child support order is appropriate, call an attorney. It may be possible to file a Supplemental Petition if you want to modify or terminate your child support payments.

What if the Child Support Order is from Out of State?

If your order was issued in another state, it could complicate your arrangement. In some cases, you may be able to move the court order to Florida, especially if you and the child both live in the state.

Because the situation can get complicated fast, it’s a good idea to reach out to a family law attorney. That way, you can understand your legal obligations and the best course of action.

Contact Our Divorce Law Firm in Orlando, FL

Contact the experienced Orlando divorce lawyers at McMichen, Cinami & Demps today for legal assistance. Contact our Orlando, FL office at (407) 898-2161 to schedule a free consultation.

McMichen, Cinami & Demps – Orlando Office
1500 E Concord St
Orlando, FL 32803