Shortened Or Extended Child Support Payment Timelines

As children become young adults, parents may have questions about emancipation or extended support timelines in relation to child support obligations. Child support can be the subject of disagreement between parents. It is not unusual for a parent to feel that he or she is obligated to pay too much support to the other, or that the support is not being utilized for the children. Emancipation occurs under certain conditions and results in a situation where a person who would ordinarily be considered to be a child according to age, is legally considered to be an adult for purposes of child support.

In Colorado, although a child is considered to be an adult at the age of 18, parents still have a financial support obligation through age 19 absent emancipation. However, if a child is emancipated before the age of 19, then the parents no longer have a legal obligation to financially support their child. Issues relating to emancipation may be addressed as an emancipation action in court or as part of a dissolution or allocation of parental responsibilities case.

Emancipation can occur when a minor marries or joins military service. Both of these actions require parental consent. Thus a minor can not emancipate him or herself through these methods. If a child becomes financially self-supporting before the age of 19, this can also be the basis for emancipation.

There are also circumstances where the obligation to support a child may last beyond the age of 19. One situation that can extend child support is if the child has not yet completed high school at age 19 and is enrolled in a completion program. In that case, child support would continue until the child graduates or age 21. Another situation that can extend child support is if the child is disabled and not self-supporting. In this situation the support requirement could continue until the child can support him or herself or perhaps indefinitely. Parents can always agree to extend financial support as well, for example throughout college, for example.

Death does not automatically end child support. Many parents agree to secure support in parenting plans through life insurance. Courts can require that support be secured as well. Additionally a surviving parent can seek support from the estate of a parent who has passed.

Divorce and family law matters are difficult to navigate alone. The court system is more complex than it should be. With offices in Colorado Springs, we can guide you through the experience by handling pleading and motion preparation and filing, negotiation, mediation, and court proceedings from start to finish. This allows you to focus on moving forward to a better future rather than on trying to figure out how the overly complex court system works. Remember that change often creates new opportunity and a better future. Janko Family Law Solutions can help ensure that your best interests and the best interests of your family are protected. Contact us at 719-344-5523 or complete our online form to set up a free thirty-minute informational consultation.