Child support is a critical component of a divorce settlement, as it ensures that the child’s basic needs are met. However, many parents struggle to receive the child support they are owed, leaving them in a financial bind. If your ex-partner fails to fulfill their support obligation, it’s important to understand your rights and take action. Please continue reading to learn how long child support lasts in New York and how a trusted Nassau County Child Support Lawyer can help you fight for the support your child deserves.
Does Child Support End at 18 in New York?
Many parents wonder how long they will be required to pay child support. The legal requirements for when child support ends vary from state to state. Generally, child support obligations are terminated when the child turns 18 or otherwise emancipated. However, New York requires parents to continue to support their children until the age of 21, and in some cases, even beyond that. The court may order a parent to pay child support until their child has graduated from college or until the child turns 26 if the child suffers from a mental or physical disability. Support payments can be terminated if a child is deemed emancipated, usually when they are married, join the military, or get a court order for emancipation.
Nevertheless, if a parent believes they should no longer have to pay child support they can submit a formal request to the court. The court will examine various factors to determine whether the child is self-supporting. If they determine the child is financially independent, the court may grant the request to terminate the child support obligation. If the child is still financially dependent, the court will still enforce this court-ordered periodic payment.
What Should I Do if My Ex-Partner Isn’t Making Payments?
When the court issues a child support order, it becomes a legally binding obligation. If your ex-partner has stopped making payments, you should try communicating with them and informing them that they are required to provide financial support until the child is 21 unless the agreement says otherwise. It’s important to keep detailed records of all missed child support payments and communication with your ex-partner as these records can help prove your case in court if necessary.
If this is more than just a simple misunderstanding and your ex-partner refuses to pay, it’s in your best interest to enlist the help of a determined lawyer who can help you petition the court to enforce the payments. When you have issues regarding child support, please don’t hesitate to contact a lawyer from the Law Offices of Eyal Talassazan, P.C., who can help you understand your rights and options.
