Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts
Can child support be directly paid to a non-minor child?
I am about to turn eighteen in under a month and have made immediate arrangements to live with a non-immediate family member in a different state. My father has been ordered to pay child support until I turn 19 or finish high school. High school will be finished about 10 months after I turn 18. My mother has declared to me that she will be keeping an undefined portion of my child support payments (for no explained expenses despite my inquiries) for several months after I turn 18. Am I directly entitled to future child support payments after I turn 18? Can the money be legally paid directly to me to bypass my mother? If not, then can I atleast be legally entitled to receive receipts for proof of personal expenses?
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Can child support be directly paid to a non-minor child?
You are not directly entitled to child support. Money paid for the purposes of child support is for the custodial parent, NOT the child directly.
Re: Can child support be directly paid to a non-minor child?
no
Re: Can child support be directly paid to a non-minor child?
It appears that you may be arranging to end residency/domicile with either parent once you are 18. It will be up to the Court to determine whether you have done so. if you have terminated residence and domicile, a Court following the statutory scheme should decline to require EITHER parent to pay support.
On the other hand, the court MAY require BOTH parents to pay support, depending on the exact circumstances.
The support would probably be paid to the more responsible, older relative on your behalf in this instance.
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