When Does Child Support Stop?

The short answer is when the child in question reaches their eighteenth birthday. But, and that’s a big but, every situation is different so the answer isn’t cut and dry. Basically, child support doesn’t end at eighteen. Here are the two most common reasons why the child support obligation will continue.

The child is attending a post-secondary institution full-time. It is thought that the money that the custodial parent receives is put towards the expenses of the education. Keep in mind, that the Federal Tables that are used to spell out the amount of child support owing ends at eighteen. At this point, decisions have to be made when child support is discussed. How much will be paid monthly and will the money go towards the education, such as tuition, books and housing? The custodial parent may feel that the other parent should contribute to post-secondary expenses along in addition to child support. If this is not a part of the Divorce and Separation Agreement you really should be prepared for post-secondary education if the child is young.  It’s far better to be proactive. However, the child decides to do a “victory lap” and stay in high school for an extra year, a frank discussion may take place in regards to child support.

If the child is disabled and is dependent on the custodial parent, child support will continue. If the child is able to work, things might be different and a revised payment amount might need to take place. If the child is severely disabled, you will have to pay child support for the rest of their life.

Remember that child support is the right of the child and their well-being. Your Agreement may have a date when child support will stop. The common agreement a lot parents use as an end date is when the child is twenty-five or when the child finishes post-secondary education. Whichever comes first. If the child support agreement doesn’t have an end date, it will continue until the order is changed in Court or if you and the other parent agree to end the agreement. As long as the child is a dependent is the basic rule thumb that enforces that child support needs to be paid. 

If your child’s eighteenth birthday is on the horizon and your Divorce/Separation Agreement isn’t clear when it comes to Child Support ending or continuing, the Grant Lee Law team will help you if you’re not comfortable talking with your former partner. Grant Lee Law is proud to offer you just what you need to get the result you need. Have the team at Grant Lee Law assist you in all legal Family Law matters. Their limited scope retainers will help you achieve the Child Support outcome that will make you stress less and get the help you need!

Contact them in Burlington at (905) 315-6837 or angela@grantleelaw.com