You may be able to stop paying child support in some instances where a teenage child refuses to have a relationship with you.
There are several caveats though – first, your child must be of employment age, and therefore, in the eyes of the court, able to support him or herself.
Second, you’ll have to argue in court for what is known as “Constructive Emancipation,” or the idea that the child’s actions alone have emancipated them, and that you have no responsibility for the situation.
It isn’t an easy case to prove, but when your older teen simply won’t engage in having a relationship with the non-custodial parent – whether the other parent encourages or discourages the bad behavior – it may be possible to relieve yourself of the financial burden of supporting the child.
When you’re supporting children who refuse to treat you like family, the attorneys at Friedman & Ranzenhofer can help.
Call us today at 585-484-7432 and talk to a Rochester child custody attorney.