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Can I stop paying for my daughter's expenses before she turns 18?

Can I stop paying for my daughter's expenses before she turns 18?

Full question:

My daughter will turn 18 years old in five months. Can I stop paying for her expenses (education, medical, miscellaneous) now?

Category: Minors
Subcategory: Child Support
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Connecticut

Answer:

You are required to provide financial support for your daughter until she turns 18. In your case, you must continue covering her expenses for the next five months. According to Connecticut law (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53-304), failing to provide necessary support can lead to legal consequences, including potential imprisonment for up to one year. The law defines 'child' as anyone under 18, including those born out of wedlock if paternity is acknowledged. Support agreements filed with the court are enforceable like court orders. If you stop payments, you could face contempt of court charges, and wage withholding may be ordered to recover unpaid support.

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 parents deduct education expenses?

Parents may be able to deduct certain education expenses on their taxes, such as tuition and fees for college. However, the eligibility for these deductions can depend on various factors, including the parent's income and the type of educational institution. It's important to consult the IRS guidelines or a tax professional to understand what can be deducted and any applicable limits. *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.*

Can you still claim your child after they turn 18?

You can generally claim your child as a dependent on your taxes until they turn 19, or 24 if they are a full-time student. However, they must live with you for more than half the year and not provide more than half of their own support. After age 18, you may need to consider their income and living situation to determine if you can still claim them. *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.*

Can I write off medical expenses for my adult child?

You can write off medical expenses for your adult child if they are a dependent and you provide more than half of their financial support. If your child is 18 or older and not a full-time student, they may not qualify as your dependent unless they meet specific criteria. Always check IRS guidelines to confirm eligibility for medical expense deductions. *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.*

Can I write off my child's college tuition?

Yes, you may be able to write off your child's college tuition under certain tax credits, such as the American Opportunity Credit or the Lifetime Learning Credit. These credits can help reduce your tax liability based on qualified education expenses. Eligibility depends on your income and the student's enrollment status. Consult IRS guidelines or a tax professional for specific details. *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.*

Can you write off my child's tuition?

You can write off your child's tuition if you qualify for education tax credits, such as the American Opportunity Credit or the Lifetime Learning Credit. These credits can help offset the cost of tuition and related expenses. To qualify, you must meet certain income thresholds and the student must be enrolled in an eligible educational institution. Check IRS guidelines for more information. *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.*

Can you claim kids school tuition on taxes?

You may be able to claim certain educational expenses, including school tuition, under specific tax credits or deductions. However, this typically applies to higher education rather than K-12 expenses. For K-12 tuition, some states offer tax credits or deductions, but these vary by state. It's best to consult with a tax professional to understand your options. *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.*