Legal Question in Family Law in Texas

Legally Emancipated

I have an 18 yr old Step-daughter. Child Support has continued due to verbage in Divorce Decree.

When does an 18 yr. old become Legally Emancipated? Do you have to have a Court order or is it automatic at 18 or HS Graduation?

She has Cystic Fibrosis, but is capable of most anything.

Thanks,

--name removed--Teague


Asked on 10/21/03, 2:32 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Fran Brochstein Attorney & Mediator

Re: Legally Emancipated

You are asking 2 different questions.

At 18, a person becomes an adult. They can vote, enter into contracts, and whatever else an adult can choose to do.

Child support ends when the child turns 18 or graduates from high school. However, if the child was declared to need care the rest of their ife, then child support can continue the rest of the child's life. If the court order says that child support continues for the rest of her life, then the burden would be on the father to prove she could support herself.

Good luck!

Fran Brochstein

www.familylaw4u.com

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Answered on 10/21/03, 4:17 pm


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