When circumstances change, an old child support order may not be appropriate for the new situation. If you are involved in a request for child support modification, contact an experienced family law attorney at our firm to discuss your options.
St. Louis, Missouri Child Support Attorney
In any divorce where minor children are involved, child support is almost an absolute certainty. The question is, how much is enough?
Founded in 1972, The Marks Law Firm, L.L.C. offers extensive experience with almost every area of family law, including child support issues. We can explain the guidelines and give you a fairly accurate estimate of how much you can expect to pay or receive, based on experience in previous cases and our familiarity with the courts of this area. There may be actions we can take or arguments we can make to increase or decrease the guideline amounts as well.
To learn more about this issue and how we can help you obtain a fair result, please visit our child support Web page. To speak to a lawyer, call or contact The Marks Law Firm, L.L.C. and schedule an initial consultation.
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The state has an interest in making sure that children have the financial resources they need, following their parents' divorces. We know you have an interest in making sure that happens too. For experienced representation in child support matters — contact The Marks Law Firm L.L.C. in St. Louis, Missouri.
The Marks Law Firm L.L.C. handles child support matters on behalf of people in the St. Louis area and surrounding portions of Missouri and Illinois. For experience when it matters the most — call the firm's law offices directly at 314-993-6300.
When Do Child Support Obligations End?
Many factors are taken into account in determining when child support payments will end. In some situations, it is as simple as the child reaching the age of majority. In others, payments may not end until the child has graduated from college. If you have questions about child support, contact The Marks Law Firm, L.L.C in St. Louis, Missouri, to speak with an experienced family law attorney about your concerns.
Age of Majority and Emancipation
Absent exceptional circumstances or an agreement that states otherwise, the general rule is that child support obligations cease once a child reaches the age of majority. Under most state laws, this is 18 or 21.
If the child becomes emancipated, child support obligations also end. Emancipation means that the child is "beyond the control, custody and care of the parents." Reaching the age of majority can trigger emancipation. The child also can seek a court order to become emancipated from his or her parents. If a child marries, they are considered beyond the control of their parents. Likewise, if a child becomes economically self-sufficient — which means more than part-time employment — the child may be emancipated. In some jurisdictions, once a minor enlists in the armed services, he or she is considered emancipated.
College
Parents may be required to pay for college expenses as part of a support order. The parents may have agreed to pay for educational expenses or, in some states, the court may order the obligor parent to pay.
The court will consider several factors in determining whether to require a parent to pay for college, including:
- Would the parent have contributed to the child's educational expenses if there had not been a divorce
- Did the parent create a reasonable expectation that the child should attend college
- How does the child's proposed course of study fit in with the child's overall long-term goals and abilities
In many jurisdictions, the most important consideration is whether the parent has the ability to pay for college and whether paying for educational expenses will create economic hardship.
Disability
Many states require parents to continue to pay support after a disabled child reaches the age of majority. If the child becomes disabled after reaching the age of majority, most states do not require the obligor parent to pay for his or her care. Parents also can come to an independent agreement, subject to approval by the court, to provide care for a disabled child after he or she reaches adulthood. The costs and needs of an adult disabled child may be best handled separately from a child custody and/or divorce proceeding. In some instances, seeking the help of an estate planning attorney may be a better option for taking care of a disabled adult child's needs.
Talk to a Lawyer
For more information on terminating child support obligations, contact The Marks Law Firm, L.L.C in St. Louis, Missouri. An experienced family law attorney can explain your state's child support laws and help you construct a plan for your children's needs.
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