Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

Child Support Ending?

I have been paying child support for my daughter for fifteen years. She has recently turned 18 (lives in Ohio), and has quit high school. Am I still required to pay child support?


Asked on 4/13/00, 10:31 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Britton Buckley Law Offices of Britton A. Buckley

Re: Child Support Ending?

Your obligation to continue paying child support depends on the language in the order setting child support. Normally, if the child support order does not specify when child support ends, when the child reaches his or her age of majority. In Washington this is age 18. In some circumstances, child support can continue past age 18, but this is normally tied to the child remaining in school, either high school or post-secondary education.

If the order was originally entered in another state, that state's laws may control the outcome. For example, if the order were entered in Ohio and under Ohio law the age of majority is 21, then you may well have to continue paying child support for another three years. I recommend that you talk to an attorney with knowledge of the laws in the state in which your child support order was entered for more information.

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Answered on 7/07/00, 2:42 pm


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