Child support is a court-ordered obligation that requires one parent to give financial assistance for the care and well-being of their child. This support can be legally terminated under specific circumstances outlined in the court order.
Understanding the child support termination circumstances is important as it helps you fulfill your obligations appropriately while avoiding unnecessary payments beyond the required timeframe.
Reasons for terminating child support
Circumstances under which child support may be legally terminated include the following:
- Child gets married: If the child in question gets married, your obligation to pay child support may end, as the child is considered to have established their own household.
- Death of child: Child support payments may be stopped if the child passes away, as the obligation to provide financial support no longer applies.
- Child over 18 years: Also referred to as the “age of majority,” child support obligations often end when the child reaches this age. However, this can vary depending on the court order, as some orders may require continued support if the child is still in high school, pursuing higher education or has special needs. It’s important to review your support agreement to determine if additional conditions apply beyond the age of 18.
- Child becomes self-supporting: When the child is able to support themselves financially, such as by obtaining full-time employment or living independently without relying on parental assistance, child support payments may be terminated. However, you may need to provide evidence of the child’s self-sufficiency and request termination of the support order through the court.
The procedure for terminating child support typically involves filing a petition to request a modification or termination of the support order. It may require providing documentation, such as proof of the child’s self-sufficiency or age, to support your case. Obtaining legal guidance can be helpful to help you follow the proper steps and meet all legal requirements for terminating the support obligation.
