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Many people believe a parent's child support obligations end once the minor reaches the age of 18. While this is true in most cases, there are some notable exceptions in which the support extends into the child's adulthood. The divorce lawyers of Knochel Law Office in Bullhead City have been serving Arizona, California, and Nevada, since 1987. Below, they discuss the issue of child support, age, and parental obligations.

An 18-Year-Old High Schooler

Most high school students turn 18 during their senior year. In the majority of child support agreements, this situation is addressed in more detail. Usually, the parent is required to continue paying child support until the student completes the 12th grade, regardless of whether or not the child is 18. In some cases, the order may specifically state support doesn't end until the child's 19th birthday, which would cover most students throughout their high school years.

A Disabled Adult Child

divorce lawyerA disabled child who turns 18 might still require a significant amount of care just to meet the demands of daily living. This can be a huge financial burden for a solo parent, and the law recognizes this fact. A child support order concerning a disabled adult often includes continuing financial support even though the child has reached adulthood.

Special Circumstances

Parents who are no longer together may agree to make special child support arrangements for the care of their kids in early adulthood. For example, they might want to continue support until the child has graduated from college as a way of taking a major financial burden off their shoulders. These are considered special circumstances, and both parents must agree to them before they are written into the child support order with the help of a divorce lawyer.

Knochel Law Office’s divorce lawyers and family law attorneys are here to demystify the child support process and your rights and responsibilities in it. Call (928) 444-1000, visit their website, or connect with them via Facebook or Google+ to schedule a consultation. 

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