In most instances, the non-custodial spouse is required to pay child support until the child reaches the age of 21.
That’s the requirement though, and doesn’t speak to common situations that families with young adult children deal with.
For instance, if your child turns 21 in college, it’s a safe bet that continuing some form of support through graduation would be helpful to everyone, especially the child. On the other hand, if your child enlists in the military, joins the Peace Corps, or gets married before turning 21, your former spouse’s support obligation generally ends.
The best thing to do in a divorce is to think realistically about how you both want to contribute to your child’s welfare until they become self sufficient.
Does this mean establishing separate or shared college funds? Does it mean paying for your high school student to participate in JROTC to prepare for a future military career? All of the above?
Whatever your plans, the child support attorneys at Friedman & Ranzenhofer can help you get the kind of agreement you need to protect yourself and prepare your child for whatever life they want to achieve.
Call us today at 585-484-7432 and talk to a Rochester family law attorney for free.