Know About The Child Support Commitment
Those ordered to pay child support may be facing a long commitment. That is why it's important to understand what it means to admit paternity for a child that might not be your biological offspring. Read on to learn more about the staying power of paternity admissions and how long the child support commitment could last.
Admissions of Fatherhood
You might not necessarily question the paternity of a child if you are involved in a committed relationship. However, fathers who have reason to doubt that a child is their own offspring must take care to act carefully and quickly. If you agree that you are the father without proof of a DNA test, you could be in for a very expensive obligation that doesn't necessarily go away if the real father comes forward. In many cases, family court judges may order a non-biological father to continue paying child support if they have formed a father-child relationship with the child.
When Will Child Support Stop?
Not all child support stops at age 18 but many times it does. The time it ends is always spelled out in the original order from the judge. The amount may also remain the same, though some judges will alter the amount for good reasons. The age of majority, though usually 18, is not the same in all states so be sure you understand the commitment. Here are some other milestones that could spell the end of child support for a child:
- College Graduation – Children may continue to need support as they attend college. Most of the time, parents are not expected to pay child support for advanced degrees or when the child takes longer to complete school though. Usually, the support can stop when the child attains a bachelor's degree or at age 24 or 25 or so, whichever occurs first.
- High School Graduation – Some children reach the age of 18 or that age of majority while still in high school. It all depends on when they began school and their birthdates. If so, it's wise to continue child support at least until the child graduates from high school. That can help offset some of the expenses parents will face during the senior year.
- Divorcing the Parents – Unfortunately, some children feel the need to divorce, or emancipate, themselves from their parents before they reach any of the milestones listed above. In those cases, emancipation can mean neither parent is responsible for the financial support to the child.
If you have questions about paternity or child support, speak to a family law attorney at once.