While it is mainly true that child support ends when a child turns 18 years old, this is not always the case. There are certain circumstances that can extend the length of child support.
When My Child Turns 18 Does Child Support Stop?
Florida law has a provision that protects children from losing child support the day they turn 18. If a child turns nineteen while they’re still in high school, they’re still eligible for child support. In these situations, child support payments will end on the day the child graduates.
This allows them a year after they officially become an adult for the parent to still receive child support payments, which is a safety net to help make sure each child has support while they are attending school.
Special Needs Cases
If a child has special needs, they may be able to get child support payments for life, which may be necessary for them to have a decent quality of life. In these cases, the judge will evaluate the situation and the parent who is the main caregiver (physical custody) will continue to receive payments for as long as they are needed.
Each special needs case will be evaluated by the courts and the length of child support payments is determined by a judge. While a disabled child may be granted child support payments for life, there are a lot of instances where the child is able to fully support themselves. In these cases, the court will go back and make another evaluation and will potentially end child support payments.
Hiring a Bartow Child Support Attorney
Child support calculations involve many different factors. No family is the same, and each and every case is different. This is why it is so important to hire a child support attorney. A family law attorney will go to bat for you in court and help you to reach a favorable result and one that is best for you and your family.
While courts normally have the best intentions for your family, they do not know your family personally. Because of this reason, it is extremely important to hire a great family law attorney who will understand the nuances of your family and situation.
Your attorney will have the ability to work with a judge and convey your situation in a way that will help get you the support you need to take care of your family. For someone who will look out for the best interest of your family and children, don’t hesitate to contact Advocate Law Firm for a no-fee consultation.
Contact us at (863) 644-5566 for advocates in your family’s corner.