Do I have to pay child support for my 19-year-old daughter until she is 21?

Full question:

My daughter is 19 years old living in NY. She is unmarried and has a 3 month old baby. She is not in school. The state is stating that I must pay child support for her until she is 21, is this true and how much?

  • Category: Divorce
  • Subcategory: Child Support
  • Date:
  • State: Pennsylvania

Answer:

You should review your child support order carefully. If your daughter's circumstances have significantly changed, you may petition to modify the support order.

In New York, parents are generally responsible for supporting their children until they turn 21, especially if the child is not emancipated. Emancipation typically occurs when a child becomes financially independent or marries. Since your daughter is 19, unmarried, and has a baby, she is likely still considered unemancipated.

The amount of child support can vary based on several factors, including the financial needs of your daughter and your ability to pay. New York uses a formula based on the combined income of both parents to determine support obligations.

If you believe that the circumstances warrant a change in the support amount, you may want to consult with a family law attorney to explore your options.

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

In New York, custody laws for unmarried parents are similar to those for married parents. Both parents have equal rights to seek custody of their child. The court will consider the best interests of the child when determining custody arrangements. Factors include the child's relationship with each parent, the parents' living situations, and the child's needs. Unmarried fathers may need to establish paternity to gain legal rights regarding custody and visitation.