Can Child Support Be Extended Into College?

Question:Kevin Mammola Atlanta Divorce Attorney

Do child support laws force you to pay child support through college?

My child will be graduating high school next year at the age of 18. My original divorce decree calls for me to pay child support through age 20 or completion of high school, whichever comes first.

Can the custodial parent now apply to have the child support continued into college?

Answer:

While I am not licensed to practice in your jurisdiction, I can provide you with some general divorce help for men regarding the issues you present in your question.

Based on the facts set forth in your question, the custodial parent cannot apply for child support while the child attends college.

The law in Georgia (where I practice) requires that a parent pay support on their child’s behalf until the child (among other scenarios) emancipates, turns 18 years of age, or graduates from high school (unless the child is attending high school, in which case child support shall continue until the child reaches age 20).

Read related article: Age Of Emancipation In Your State

The law in Georgia does not hold a parent responsible for paying child support beyond this point. Parties can contract (and obligate themselves) for such an arrangement (payment of child support during the child’s attendance at college), however, in their settlement agreement.

Cordell & Cordell understands the concerns men face during divorce.

The provisions for payment of child support during the child’s attendance at college would be enforceable in that case.

If the non-custodial parent never contracted to undertake this obligation, however, then the custodial parent has no basis under Georgia law to request payment of child support while the child attends college.

I am unable to give you financial advice on divorce so for additional divorce help for men you need to contact a divorce attorney in your area.

To schedule an appointment with a Cordell & Cordell mens divorce lawyer, including Kevin Mammola, an attorney in the Atlanta, Georgia office of Cordell & Cordell, please contact Cordell & Cordell.

End of Content Icon

8 comments on “Can Child Support Be Extended Into College?

    In determining Child Support in Georgia, is my ex wife allowed an Extraordinary Education deviation for the cost of her other two children’s college tuition? They are both over eighteen and my ex wife and her ex husband split the cost, or at least that’s what she says.

    my child support ended last year October when the child turn 18 but she doesn’t graduate until this year june 2019. My order is old and states when the youngest turns 18 it will stop. I heard that they can extent for 12 moths. I reside in Florida, is this true they can extend my child support or do I have to agree. I pay for two kids my oldest is 21.

    Im in colo. My ex wont pay child support ordered by court. It has been 3yrs. Does it grow at 12% interest compounded monthly? She took 2/3 of my business after cheating with a destitue taxi driver w/Hiv. She is on ssdi and he saw her assets and targeted her for his cut. I filed to divorce out of fear. 27 yrs gone. This has not been a fair settlement but its the law. I want 1 of my rental houses she took back.

    Can my child support stop now that my child is 18 & in college
    My paper state the OCGA law 19-16-15 and state beyond age 18 for High School-The cs shall continue until child reaches 18, dies, marries or otherwise becomes emancipated; provided that if the child becomes 18 while enrolled in and attending secondary school on a full-time basis, then cs shall continue until child has graduated or reaches age 20 whichever comes first. My child turned 18 graduated HS and has enrolled for college, but she’s also working 2 full time jobs and received a scholarship for college. Therefore, am I liable to keep paying child support?

    My child turned 18 graduated HS and has enrolled for college, but she’s also working 2 full time jobs and received a scholarship for college. Therefore, am I liable to keep paying child support?

    Does child support automatically terminate?
    In order for the support obligation to end, the child support enforcement agency in your state likely requires a Termination of Child Support Order. Support does not automatically terminate in most states. To stop the collection, you may have to file a motion with the Court that originally ordered the support. Contact the agency you pay child support through for specific information on how to terminate your support order.

    What steps do I have to take to end the child support once the agreed upon age is reach
    My degree states that I am to pay child support to the age of 20, which she turns next year. I pay thru the Child support office here in decatur, ga. Do I need to do anything in order to end my obligation once she reaches the agreed upon age.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *