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:
- State: Indiana
Answer:
Child support typically continues until the child turns 21 or is legally emancipated by a court. Emancipation can occur if the child marries, joins the military, becomes self-supporting, or is over 18 and not enrolled in school for more than four months. Additionally, a court may have ordered you to pay support and contribute to college expenses, which can extend beyond the age of 21. It's important to review your support order for specific details. You may want to notify your ex-spouse and daughter about your understanding of when your support obligations end.
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.