Following a divorce or separation, the parent without primary physical custody of the child has a responsibility to provide some financial support. How much child support is required depends on each parent’s specific financial circumstances. You may be wondering: How long does child support last in Ohio? In general, child support lasts until the child reaches an “age of majority” or until there is a fundamental change in custody status. Below, our Toledo child support attorneys provide a more detailed explanation of when child support ends in Ohio.
When Child Support Ends in Ohio
Whether child support is being paid under an agreement or a legal order, it will eventually come to an end. As explained by the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services, child support can be terminated under the following circumstances:
- The Child Reaches “Majority” Age: In Ohio, child support typically ends once the child reaches something called “majority” age. If the child is not enrolled in an accredited high school, then the age of majority is their 18th birthday. If the child is enrolled in an accredited high school when they turn 18, then they will not reach the age of majority until their graduation or their 19th birthday, whichever comes first. In very limited circumstances, child support may be extended beyond a child’s 19th birthday.
- Change in Legal Custody Status: Child support can change (end) if there is a material change in custody status. For example, imagine that a mother has primary physical custody of a child in Ohio. On the child’s 14th birthday, primary physical custody is transferred to the father. That could be justification to end child support. If you have questions about changes in custody and child support, our Toledo family lawyers can help.
- Marriage, Emancipation, or Adoption: Finally, child support can also end before a child’s 18th birthday if they get married, become emancipated, or are legally adopted by another person. Under these scenarios, the parent paying child support is no longer responsible for the financial needs of their child.
When parents have a child support agreement, they can often end child support on their own when the time comes. On the other hand, if your child support case has been referred to the Ohio Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA), notification should be provided when support ends. The parent receiving child support payments has the responsibility to notify CSEA that child support should end. If they fail to do so, the parent paying child support can notify CSEA.
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Contact Our Toledo, OH Child Support Law Attorneys for Immediate Help
At Groth & Associates, our Ohio family law attorneys have the professional skills and legal experience to handle the full spectrum of child support matters. If you have any questions about when child support ends, we are here to help. Contact us today to request a free consultation. From our Toledo office, we provide family law services throughout the region, including in Lucas County, Wood County, Henry County, Ottawa County, Putnam County, and Hancock County.
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