| Title: | Welcome to the Non-Custodial Parents Conference |
| Notice: | Please read 1.* before writing anything |
| Moderator: | MIASYS::HETRICK |
| Created: | Sun Feb 25 1990 |
| Last Modified: | Fri Jun 06 1997 |
| Last Successful Update: | Fri Jun 06 1997 |
| Number of topics: | 420 |
| Total number of notes: | 4370 |
In Massachusetts, what is the legal age at which support stops?
I've been told different things by different people. When the
child (?) reaches 18 and NOT attending school (on a full time basis),
then supports stops then. If the child is attending school (college)
then the support can go on to age 23????? An atty from Worcester told
me that age 21 is the ending age (unless otherwise specified in
final order). Age 21 is adulthood (legally). Then where does this
age 23 stuff come into play. This atty, by the way, was not a
divorce atty, we were seeing him on another matter. I did not ask him
to look into this yet, but I probably will. I've searched through the
Massachusetts Annotated Laws and cannot find a reference as to the
exact age that support stops (come hell or high water). I'm asking
this for my present husband whose daughter is now 19, and is supposed
to be attending college, but she is sick all the time, and I question
whether she is attending or plans to attend at all. Atty. told us
that all we have to do is get a certified copy of her birth
certificate, and in two years petition the Worcester Court that she has
turned 21 and that support should be stopped. It does not
automatically stop. If end date is not mentioned in final decree - it
can go on infinitum!!!! (like past age 30, etc.)!!!!
Any information that you can give me, would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
| T.R | Title | User | Personal Name | Date | Lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 79.1 | Adult = Age 18 | WILLEE::SKOWRONEK | Tue Aug 14 1990 08:39 | 20 | |
First of all, when I was in high school (about 7 years ago) I took
a Law class. I was told that in the eyes of the law, you are
considered an adult at 18.
Secondly, as far as I know support stops at 18 unless the child
is going to further his/her education full time. If the child is
to attend college/other schooling, the support stops when the schooling
stops, but usually by the time the child is 22 or 23. It also all
depends on the parents. IF I was a non-custodial parent and my
child decided to go onto law school or medical school, I would
definately help out, but I would give the money to the school/child,
not to the custodial parent.
If I were you I would call the Legal helpline (look in the talking
phone book for #), or call the Legal clinic, they will probably
be able to help you out over the phone.
Good Luck,
Debby
| |||||
| 79.2 | 18 is legal age | NUTMEG::MACDONALD_K | Tue Aug 14 1990 11:18 | 10 | |
In my husband's divorce decree, it states that he is to pay support
until his son is 18. I agree with Debby (.1) in that I think it's
up to the NCP whether or not to continue to pay support through
college unless otherwise specified, but it doesn't have to be to
the CP. I can go directly to the child who is by now considered
an adult. Legal age is 21 for drinking, but at 18 you can vote
and be sent off to fight in a war. Sounds like adult stuff to me.
- Kathryn
| |||||
| 79.3 | SQM::MACDONALD | Thu Aug 30 1990 08:54 | 12 | ||
What the law says and what the decree says may be different. The law is
really only establishing a minimum. A divorce decree can obligate you
to more. 18 may be the legal age for voting etc., but may not be the
age that that court will view as the one where your obligation is
complete. Neither of my two children are scheduled to graduate from
high school until they are 19 so my decree says I will pay support
until they complete high school or reach age 19 whichever comes first.
Steve
| |||||
| 79.4 | 18 in several states..... | NAVY5::SDANDREA | Velociraptor_dawg | Fri Jan 07 1994 11:52 | 14 |
In VA (home of my divorce decree) and SC (home of my seperation
agreement), child support ends when the child becomes 18 AND is
graduated from high school. This is considered emancipation. If the
child remains in HIGH school, then support terminates at age 19 in VA.
If the 'adult' decides to pursue college then it's up to the parents
and/or the 'adult' to figure out how to pay for it, UNLESS the divorce
decree has specified language regarding college expense support. I
can't imagine paying 'child support' to a custodial parent or an
'adult' residing at a dormitory AND paying tuition/fees!!!! ACK!
steve
| |||||