Legal Question in Family Law in Missouri

Can my ex go back to 1994 (son's birth year, we never married) and have an audit to make sure she got every penny she was entitled to, and tack it on as arrears? We had a support case from 1999 to 2009 (which got terminated when my son came to live with me) and my wages were garnished and satisfied the court ordered amount. Will I receive credit for the 2 years that my son lived with me (or my mother) and I continued to pay her support (receiving none in return), and the 1 year that he lived with me without any significant financial support from her?

How old is the child supposed to be when child support stops? My ex claims she can make me pay until our son is in his twenties, even though at 18 he will already be a high school graduate.


Asked on 7/25/11, 7:33 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Anthony Smith LawSmith

Most of these questions are to be addressed by your attorney. Generally one cannot go back beyuond the civil statute of limitations to get additional monies that might have been ordered for support, but were not. Since you did nto previously ask to have the support curtailed whiel the child was living with you, you may not be able to now.

Generally, child support ends the year the child turns eighteen or graduates high school. If the child attends college, then support may continue several more years. The wording of your support order and the facts surrounding your child(ren) can alter the outcome. Therefore, if you are still curious, you should consult directly with a family law attorney in your area. Many offer a free or low cost initial consultation.

Good luck

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Answered on 7/26/11, 7:45 am


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