As a parent of a child with support obligations, you may be concerned about the length of time child support is paid. Child support payments may be costly to support your child financially, and being educated on your child support obligations may help you as you care for your child.
What Age Does Child Support End in NY?
For most children who opt to attend college or vocational school, child support payments will be made up until their 21st birthday, even if they will continue their education following the termination of child support. After their 21st birthday, parents will no longer be obligated to provide for the child and their education financially.
Typical Reasons for Early Termination
Child support can sometimes terminate before the child’s 21st birthday if the court views the child as emancipated from their parents. Emancipation can occur if:
- The child joins the military,
- The child begins working full-time, and
- The child is married without the blessing of both parents.
If you believe that your child does fit the criteria for emancipation, you still need to continue paying child support until the court declares your child emancipated. If you stop paying child support without the court’s termination, you will be held liable for lost payments.
For the court to declare your child as emancipated, you will need to file for both the termination of your child support payments, as well as the emancipation of your child. This documentation cannot be done without the assistance of your child, so you should only enter into emancipation if it is something your child wishes and your relationship can stand.
Friedman & Friedman PLLC, Attorneys at Law Child Support Attorneys
When paying child support, it is important to understand when your payments end. If you assume that payments end at the age of 18, you may need to pay back child support to your child’s custodial parent. At Friedman & Friedman PLLC, Attorneys at Law, our attorneys are skilled at helping parents understand their child support agreements and planning for the financial future of their children.
Do you need help understanding your child support agreement? Schedule a consultation with our attorneys by filling out our online contact formor calling us today at (914) 873-4410.