Legal Question in Family Law in Alabama

Re: Laws pertaining to juvenile emancipation

I am not sure what the Judge is trying to tell you. If the child is over 18 years of age and you can show she is in fact a self supporting functional adult, he should terminate child support. However, if she is under 18, the Courts are very reluctant to terminate child support, unless the minor is fully independant (i.e. rock star, or married, or a member of the Armed Forces). Another issue, since it is a default situation may be the fact that the Judge is reluctant to terminate the support without someone to look out for the minor's best interests such as the custodial parent or a Guardina Ad Litem (lawyer appointed by the Court for the Child). What you need to do is count up how much money you will save if you get support terminated (monthly child support amount times number of months before the child turns 19). If it is more than a thousand or so, then it may be worth it to you to hire a lawyer. Also if you do nothing and your petition is dismissed, then resubmit it the month before she turns 19 and it should be granted. Please note, unless it is in the judgment/agreement child support does not stop automatically, you must stop it.

If we can be of assistance, please feel free to contact us via Email [email protected] or phone 256-435-1007.

Good luck.