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Do I stop paying child support once my daughter turns 21 years old?

Do I stop paying child support once my daughter turns 21 years old?

Full question:

I am the noncustodial parent of a soon-to-be 21-year-old daughter. I was divorced in Lauderdale County, Mississippi but all parties are now living in Indiana. There is a foreign support order in Indiana, but the divorce itself was never transferred. My question is in regards to emancipation and the termination of child support. What do I do when my daughter turns 21? Do I simply stop making the monthly support payments? All payments are up-to-date with no arrearage, and I have no indication that my ex-spouse has filed for any post-minority support.

Category: Divorce
Subcategory: Child Support
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Indiana

Answer:

Child support continues until the child is 21, or when the child is emancipated by the Court. The Court can emancipate a child prior to the 21st birthday if he marries, joins the military, becomes self-supporting, or is over 18 and has not been enrolled in school for more than 4 months. The Court could have ordered you to pay support and your fair share of the child's college expense. Such an Order can continue even after the child is 21. You need to read the Order for specifics on this issue.

You might consider notifying your ex-wife and daughter of your understanding as to when your responsibilities pursuant to the Order ends.

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

Does child support automatically end when a child turns 21 in Indiana?

In Indiana, child support typically ends when the child turns 21, unless a court has ordered otherwise. If there are provisions for post-minority support, such as for college expenses, you may still be required to make payments. It's essential to review your support order for specific terms regarding termination and any potential obligations after your child turns 21.

What is emancipation in relation to child support?

Emancipation refers to a legal process where a child becomes independent from their parents, which can affect child support obligations. In Indiana, a child may be considered emancipated if they marry, join the military, or become self-supporting. If a child is over 18 and not enrolled in school for more than four months, they may also be deemed emancipated, ending the need for child support.

Can child support continue after age 21 for college expenses?

Yes, in Indiana, child support may continue beyond age 21 if there are specific court orders requiring support for college expenses. If your support order includes such provisions, you are obligated to continue payments until those terms are fulfilled. Always check your court order for details regarding any ongoing responsibilities.

What should I do if I believe my child support obligations have ended?

If you believe your child support obligations have ended, you should first review your support order to confirm the terms. It is advisable to notify your ex-spouse and your child about your understanding of the situation. If there are any uncertainties or disputes, consider seeking legal advice to ensure compliance with the law.