How Long Does The Obligation To Pay Child Support Last?
Generally, a non-custodial parent must pay child support until the child reaches 18 years of age. However, if the child is still in high school, the obligation to pay child support will continue until the child’s graduation from high school or until the child’s 19th birthday, whichever occurs first. In addition, if a child was handicapped before his or her 18th birthday, support may be ordered until the child is no longer handicapped or until the child becomes self-supporting. A non-custodial parent’s obligation to pay child support will stop if a child is emancipated by judicial order, or if the child is legally adopted into another family.
