As a parent, you want to make certain your child’s financial needs are being met. If you are no longer married to your child’s other parent, you do not have to be responsible for more than your fair share, and paying support to your spouse when your child no longer lives at home is not your responsibility.
PENNSYLVANIA LAWS GOVERNING CHILD SUPPORT
The duty to pay child support in Pennsylvania ends once a child reaches age 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs last. Once your child is over 18 years old, and a high school graduate, you no longer have a legal duty to support them financially.
In order to ensure that your current support order is canceled on time, file a Petition for Modification in the county that the order was entered, which will be located at the top of the support order you received. If you do not file a Petition for Modification, the DRS (Domestic Relations Section) office in the appropriate county will send an Emancipation Inquiry to the custodial parent.
Although Pennsylvania does not force parents to assist with college funding, a parent might choose to impose this responsibility onto themselves. If an agreement to support a child through their college education is part of a marital settlement, the Court will enforce it.
CONTACT A SKILLED JENKINTOWN FAMILY LAWYER AND DIVORCE ATTORNEY
An experienced Pennsylvania family law attorney can help guide you through the child support process. To discuss your particular situation and learn about your options, please schedule a confidential consultation with attorney Joanne Kleiner by calling us at 215-886-1266.
You can also fill out our intake form and we will contact you. The decisions you make today really will affect your future. Let us help you make those decisions intelligent and informed.
I live in pa my son is 18 and graduate in June 2020 if he fails the 12 grade will I still have to support.
My child is 18 and attending high school sparingly at best. He has only accumulated enough credits thus far to be the equivalent of a freshman. It is clear he will not graduate High School so my question is when does my Child Support obligation end in this situation?