Child support is not meant to last forever. There comes a time when those monthly payments come to an end. But when exactly does that happen, and what if you believe you are paying longer than you should? Whether you are the paying or receiving parent, understanding when and how child support obligations end is crucial. Our Coral Gables child support termination lawyer can break it down for you.
When Does Child Support End?
Like in the rest of the state, child support in Coral Gables generally ends when the child turns eighteen—but, as with most legal matters, there are exceptions. If the child is still in high school and expected to graduate before turning nineteen, payments may continue until graduation. However, if a child has a permanent disability that requires ongoing care, child support could extend indefinitely.
Then there are some not-so-clear-cut situations. What if your child gets married before turning eighteen? Or enlists in the military? In these cases, they are considered legally independent, which can lead to early termination of child support. Further, if a child becomes financially self-sufficient—and no longer dependent on either parent—that may also be grounds for ending support early.
How to Legally Terminate Child Support
Child support does not just stop automatically. Even if your child has aged out, you may still need to file a formal request with the court to ensure payments officially end. Otherwise, payments could continue being withdrawn from your paycheck.
If you believe child support should be terminated early due to special circumstances, you will need to petition the court. This requires proving why support is no longer necessary. For example, if your child is legally emancipated, then proof of marriage, military enlistment, or financial independence may be required. Courts do not take these requests lightly, so having a family law attorney guide you through the process can prevent unnecessary delays.
What About Back Child Support?
Something many parents don’t realize is that child support termination does not erase unpaid amounts. If you owe back support, you are still legally required to pay it—even if your child turns eighteen. Florida courts take unpaid child support seriously, and enforcement measures like wage garnishment, tax refund interception, and even license suspension can still apply.
On the flip side, if you’re the receiving parent and your co-parent stopped paying before their obligation officially ended, you may still have legal options to recover what is owed. Child support is a court-ordered obligation, and failing to pay can result in consequences.
Call a Coral Gables Attorney About Terminating Child Support Today
If you believe your child support obligation should end—or if you are struggling to enforce or modify an order—The Florida Probate & Family Law Firm can help. Understanding your rights is the first step toward financial clarity. Schedule a free case evaluation today to discuss your situation with a child support termination lawyer in Coral Gables.