Texas Child Support Termination Lawyers
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Reasons Child Support Can Be Terminated
Parents’ responsibility to raise and care for their children doesn’t end when they divorce. They will continue to co-parent, with one typically providing daily care while the other offers financial assistance. The parent contributing financially is known as the noncustodial parent. Generally, child support continues until the child becomes a legal adult. After that, unless otherwise agreed upon, support payments typically stop.
In Texas, child support legally ends when the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. However, many parents choose to continue supporting their children beyond this point, such as helping with college expenses or other needs. These extended arrangements can be written into a divorce decree or parenting agreement, often with the help of a Houston child custody attorney. In cases where a child has a disability, long-term child support may also be appropriate to meet ongoing care needs.
Child support can also end for reasons other than age. Termination may occur if the child gets married, joins the military, becomes legally emancipated, is adopted, or in the tragic event that they pass away. If you believe your obligation to pay child support should end, a Texas family law attorney can review your case and guide you through the proper legal steps.
Let A Child Support Attorney Assist You
Knowing when to stop paying child support can be confusing. However, ceasing payments without legal confirmation can lead to serious financial consequences. It’s never advisable to stop paying simply because you think your obligation has ended. If you’re in Houston, Tomball, Katy, Sugar Land, or a nearby area, a child support lawyer can help you determine whether you’re legally eligible to stop making payments. Ending support at the wrong time—such as right at a child’s 18th birthday—without proper legal guidance may result in owing back child support.
In some situations, noncustodial parents may be required to provide more than just financial support beyond age 18. For example, they may still need to maintain medical insurance coverage. While this usually ends with the termination of child support, the specifics can vary depending on the terms of the custody agreement. Keep in mind that under U.S. law, children can stay on a parent’s health insurance plan until age 26, which might affect your obligations.
Child support amounts can also shift over time, especially when support is being provided for multiple children. As one child ages out, the payment amount may need to be adjusted. If you’re approaching the end of your child support obligation or believe your current terms should be reviewed, a child support lawyer can help. Eaton Family Law Group is experienced in Texas child support matters and can assist you with any necessary changes to your agreement.
