Child support facts for kids

Child support is money that one parent pays to the other parent to help take care of their children. This usually happens when parents separate, get a divorce, or end their relationship. It's a way to make sure both parents help pay for the child's needs, like food, clothes, and a place to live.

The parent who pays the child support is often the one who doesn't live with the child most of the time. The parent or guardian who lives with and cares for the child usually receives the money. This financial help is meant to support the children as they grow up.

When Does Child Support End?

Child support payments don't last forever. How long they continue depends on the laws where the family lives and the specific situation.

Reaching Adulthood

Most often, child support payments stop when a child reaches the age of majority. This is the age when a person is legally considered an adult. In many places, this age is 18, but it can be different in some states or countries (for example, 21 in New York State). Support might also end when a child graduates from high school.

Continuing Education

In some places, if a child goes to college or another type of higher education full-time, child support might continue past the age of majority. This helps cover the costs of their studies.

Unpaid Support

If a parent owes money from past child support payments, they must keep paying until all that money is paid back. This is true even if the child is already an adult.

Other Reasons Support Can End

Sometimes, child support can end before a child reaches the age of majority. This can happen if:

• The child gets married.
• The child becomes legally independent from their parents (this is called emancipation).
• Sadly, if the child passes away.