Whether you are the parent paying child support or receiving child support, you might wonder, when does child support end in Ohio? Child support can be stopped once a child reaches a certain age or if another special circumstance exists.
In most instances, once a child reaches the age of 18 in Ohio, court-ordered child support is terminated. However, there are other reasons child support can end in Ohio before or after this age.
Some of the reasons child support can be terminated in Ohio include:
- Child reaches age 18 and no longer attends an accredited high school full time
- Child reaches the age of 19
- Child marries
- Child dies
- Child enlists in the armed services
- Child is deported
- Legal custody of the child changes
If a child has special needs, it is not uncommon for child support payments to continue for the rest of their lifetime. Parents can also fight to extend child support payments through college, but it must be mentioned in a court order.
The Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA) is designed to help with termination if legal custody has changed, a parent or child has died, or eligible individuals complete a request to terminate support.
The paying parent must understand that any past-due payments must still be made even after a support order has ended in Ohio.
Filing a Request to Terminate Support
If there is a change in custody of a child so that they no longer reside with the parent receiving child support payments or now lives with the parent who is currently paying child support, the parent providing the funds can submit a request to terminate payments to the court.
Filing a request to terminate support requires proper documentation and evidence. Working with a qualified family law attorney in Ohio can help expedite the process.
Emancipation in Ohio
When does child support payments end in Ohio? As soon as you provide proper documentation to prove that your child is emancipated, payments should cease.
In Ohio, children are emancipated when they reach 18 and graduate from high school or on their 19th birthday if they are still attending high school full-time.
Early emancipation can happen if a child takes certain actions, such as getting married or joining the armed services.
To ensure proper continuation or termination of child support orders in Ohio, it’s necessary to reach out directly to the CSEA. Sometimes, the CSEA will require documentation to show the courts, which can include the following:
- Copy of high school diploma, if 18
- Letter from school stating a child has graduated or withdrawn
- Marriage Certificate, if applicable
- Enrollment papers for the armed services, if applicable
Navigating child support as the paying parent or receiving parent is never easy. Working with a knowledgeable child custody lawyer can help you better understand the laws in Ohio and ensure your child gets the ongoing support they need.
Get the Legal Advice You Need While Navigating Child Support in Ohio
The Ohio divorce lawyer you choose should be knowledgeable enough to help you understand how when child support payments end in Ohio. Working with the Law Offices of Kenneth R. Kline LLC will help ensure you know everything you need to know to care for your children throughout your divorce. Set up a risk-free consultation with our office.