Confusion can occur regarding when and under what conditions child supports ends. In many states, 18 years old is the age that child support is terminated. However, there are conditions that modify this part of the law. Certain states allow the continuation of support beyond the age of 18 if the child continues to live at home and attends high school. Children with disabilities or special needs often continue to receive child support.
The guidelines governing the end of child support payments vary widely from one state to the next. The general rule is that when children reach the age of majority, go to college, die or get married, support is ended. When the situation isn’t clear, it is important to find out the laws of the state of residence.
States may allow continuation of child support when a child is past the age of majority but is attending college. In some cases, a child may become emancipated before he reaches the age of majority because he gets married, goes into the military or becomes financially independent. When a child has special needs, the law generally requires support payments to provide reasonable care for the child.
Those residents of Connecticut who are in a situation where their children are nearing the age of 18 may consult an attorney or look at the laws of their state. In Connecticut, a child who is not married, lives with the custodial parent and is attending high school can continue to receive child support until he becomes 19 years old or graduates, whichever comes first. It is important for parents to be aware that in order for child support payments to be ended, a request for termination of support responsibility needs to be made either through an attorney or child support agency.
