How Long Does Child Support Last in Florida?

Couples facing a divorce have many complex considerations to make. Between alimony and legal expenses, many things can cost a lot in this process. One of the costs that people worry the most about is child support. While some people may be aware of how we determine the amount of the payment… Few people know how long these payments last. Yet, it’s one of the most common questions attorneys in family law hear about. At Thompson Law, we’re here to help you understand more about child support and its nuances.

Can Child Support Last Forever?

Children with a mental or physical disability can receive child support past 18. While this support could be indefinite, courts will look at more than the disability. Courts will see if the child can provide for themselves or if the disability would make it difficult. Parents must file for this extension of payments before the child’s 18th birthday. This only applies to disabilities that began before the child’s 18th birthday.

Courts will also make sure that parents follow voluntary payment arrangements. This is true even if the child’s 18th birthday has passed. Parents are also stopped from reducing their child’s right to support. This is because the right of support belongs to the child. Because it belongs to the child, parents can’t agree to waive or reduce the support. Courts will not enforce these agreements. Instead, they will enforce agreements to extend child support. Parents will sometimes enter into these agreements to help pay for college. Before you agree to the proposal, review your financial situation with an attorney. These are legally binding, and thus you should enter into these agreements after receiving legal advice.

When Does Payment Stop?

In most cases, a parent required to pay child support must pay until the child is of majority age. This means that the payments stop when the child is 18 years old. In some cases, though, these payments will continue for an 18-year-old who is still in high school. This may also occur if the child has special needs or another agreement to extend payments. Many variables can change whether your payments will continue or not. We can help you figure out what obligations you might have after your divorce.

Though parents have to pay child support for adult children in high school, there are limits. These payments usually only last if there is a reasonable expectation for graduation. Therefore, it is essential to show that you have reason to believe your child will graduate by the time they turn 19. Things such as proof of enrollment and attendance records will help prove this. Children who drop out or need several years to graduate would not qualify for more payments.

In Closing

How long does child support last? The duration of child support usually lasts until the child is both 18 years old and out of high school. It’s also possible to extend payment in special situations. This includes payments to a disabled child or if the parents have entered into a long-term agreement. If a child is still in high school after they turn 18, there must be a reasonable expectation they will graduate before their 19th birthday to continue receiving payments. To determine when your payment will end, or how much you can expect to say, legal help is important. Thompson Law has seen it all when it comes to child support. Give us a call, arrange a consultation, and tell us your situation. You can know what to expect and avoid with us helping you through the process.