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My daughter, an 18 year old senior in high school, and is living at home. She enlisted in the Colorado National Guard upon he...

My daughter, an 18 year old senior in high school, and is living at home. She enlisted in the Colorado National Guard upon he...

Q: Does child support automatically stop at 18 in Colorado?

In Colorado, child support does not automatically stop at 18. It typically continues until the child turns 19 or graduates high school, whichever comes later. If the child is still in school, support continues until the end of the month following graduation (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 14-10-116).

Q: Can I legally move out at 18 in Colorado?

Yes, you can legally move out at 18 in Colorado. At this age, you are legally recognized as an adult and can make decisions about your living situation without needing parental permission.

Q: At what age can a child emancipate themselves in Colorado?

In Colorado, a child can seek emancipation at 18. However, a minor can also petition for emancipation before turning 18 if they meet specific criteria, such as being financially independent and living apart from their parents.

Q: Can your parents stop you from moving out after 18?

No, once you turn 18 in Colorado, your parents cannot legally stop you from moving out. You are considered an adult and have the right to make your own decisions regarding where you live.

Q: Can you legally move out at 18 if you're still in school?

Yes, you can legally move out at 18 in Colorado, even if you are still in school. However, it’s important to consider the impact on your education and any support you may need while completing your studies.

Full question:

My daughter, an 18 year old senior in high school, and is living at home. She enlisted in the Colorado National Guard upon her 18th birthday. Does that impact her status relating to child support, etc, under the Colorado Emancipation of Minors Laws?

Category: Minors
Subcategory: Emancipation of Minor
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Colorado

Answer:

Title 14, Art. 10, 1.6 (Colorado Statutes): Regarding child support orders, unless a court finds that a child is otherwise emancipated, emancipation occurs and child support terminates when the child attains nineteen years of age unless one or more of the following conditions exist: (c) If the child is still in high school or an equivalent program, support continues until the end of the month following graduation.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Can you move out at 18 in Colorado?

Yes, you can move out at 18 in Colorado. Once you reach this age, you are considered an adult and have the legal right to live independently without parental consent. However, if you are still in high school, it’s important to consider how this may affect your education and living arrangements.