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Do I have to continue child support payments after my son dropped out of school?

Do I have to continue child support payments after my son dropped out of school?

Q: What is separation due to differences?

Separation due to differences occurs when a couple chooses to live apart because of fundamental disagreements that affect their relationship. These differences can include lifestyle choices, financial issues, or differing values. This type of separation may lead to a divorce if the couple cannot resolve their issues.

Q: What is the meaning of irreconcilable differences?

Irreconcilable differences refer to significant conflicts or disagreements between spouses that cannot be resolved. This term is often used in divorce proceedings to indicate that the marriage has broken down beyond repair, making it impossible for the couple to continue living together harmoniously.

Q: What qualifies as irreconcilable differences?

Irreconcilable differences can include a wide range of issues such as constant arguments, lack of communication, differing life goals, infidelity, or emotional disconnect. Essentially, any persistent conflict that undermines the marriage and cannot be resolved may qualify as irreconcilable differences, leading to divorce.

Full question:

My wife and I had obtained divorced 5 years ago due to irreconcilable differences between us. I moved to Grand Rapids after the divorce. The court, at the time of divorce, had ordered me to pay child support of $ 150 per week until such time that he completes his school. My son is now 19 years old and has dropped out of school to travel with his band. Do I have to continue my child support payments?

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

Answer:

In Michigan, child support typically ends when a child reaches the age of majority, which is 18 years old, and is legally emancipated. According to MCLS § 552.605b, child support can continue beyond 18 if the child is regularly attending high school full-time and is expected to graduate, but it cannot extend past 19 years and 6 months of age.

Since your son is now 19 and has dropped out of school, he no longer meets the conditions for receiving child support. Therefore, you are not required to continue making payments. Additionally, once a child turns 18, they are considered legally emancipated under MCLS § 722.4.

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

What is separation due to irreconcilable differences?

Separation due to irreconcilable differences refers to a situation where a married couple decides to live apart because they can no longer resolve their conflicts or disagreements. This type of separation often indicates that the relationship has deteriorated to a point where reconciliation is unlikely. It is a common ground for filing for divorce in many jurisdictions, allowing couples to address issues like child custody and support during the separation period.

What is the point of separation instead of divorce?

Separation allows couples to live apart without legally ending their marriage. This can provide time to evaluate the relationship and decide whether to reconcile or proceed with divorce. Separation can also help in negotiating terms related to child custody, support, and property division while still maintaining the legal status of marriage.