Child Support: When does it end?

[LexusLover]

Originally Posted by DallasRain

I have found that kids "never get out of your pocket".....my son is 32 and still needs mommy to help pay his bills...lol

If you never let them in your pockets, they get in their own. Another thread!

[DallasRain]

Originally Posted by LexusLover

If you never let them in your pockets, they get in their own. Another thread!

lol yep so true!

[BDD]

I was told by my attorney that child support to the ex ends the month after the child turns 18 or graduates high school, whichever is later. It can continue forever though if the child is a special needs child and the court has awarded custody to your ex. That's the law in Texas as it was explained to me.

If you are in arrears you still owe it to the ex and you cannot bankrupt out of it either.

[bigwill832]

Congrats!

I just got out from under two of mine. I had to pay arrears as well. But, yes, as all have said: 18 and/or graduated from SECONDARY SCHOOL. That's what my paperwork says. Secondary school IS high school Be ready for the ex to try to make that into college. Mine did. I love my kids, but it's nice to have my paycheck back.

[GlobeSpotter]

Yeah it's plus what you may have unwillingly or unknowingly agreed to.

I know of some rich guys that were bound to pay for four years of college or "training"....for each of several kids.

[LexusLover]

Originally Posted by bigwill832

Be ready for the ex to try to make that into college. Mine did.

She tried? Or She was successful?

In Texas the Judge doesn't have authority to order a parent to pay for college education. If one is going to agree to it (why I have no clue), then make sure there are a shit load of contingencies (grades/hours) with a time limit. Also pay it directly to the "benefactor" or the college .. not to the other parent.

IMO it cannot be enforced by contempt .. since it's a contract....and not really "child support"!

[ultraphobic71]

My child will be 18,2 months after graduation. However,my divorce settlement clearly says it will stop when the child turns 18.

[Guest030816]

not to ignore the "spirit of the law" for the "letter of the law", while your settlement "clearly states" age over graduation. It's your kid, and it's only another 2 months. Do you really want to risk the resentment that this could raise? Yeah the ex is going to be the one pissed, but she's going to influence your child's opinion as well. I'm just saying, think this all the way through before digging in your heels.

[pyramider]

Chances are if he has taken the high road for all the years and the ex has not the kid probably knows, and recognizes, who the better parent is ... Kids watch everything and learn.

[LexusLover]

Originally Posted by ultraphobic71

My child will be 18,2 months after graduation. However,my divorce settlement clearly says it will stop when the child turns 18.

There's a provision in the Family Code that authorizes a modification to fit the statute.

It's cheaper just to pay the other two months ...remember it's "graduation" ....

.. not when the last class is held.

So, if it's the first of the month and "graduation" is on the 5th .... you owe for the 1st.