What Age Does Child Support Stop in Georgia?

As a parent, understanding the intricacies of child support can be quite challenging.

Regardless of if you’re the paying parent or the receiving parent, a good question to ask is: “What age does child support stop in Georgia?”

The answer is that in Georgia, child support generally ends when the child turns 18 years old.

However, there are certain circumstances where it may continue beyond this age. Let’s take a closer look at these types of situations

Will Child Support Automatically Stop at 18?

Child support in Georgia doesn’t automatically stop when the child reaches the age of 18, even though that is the age of majority in the Peach State.

There are several factors that can extend the duration of child support payments.

For instance, if the child is still in high school when they turn 18, the support will continue until they graduate, but no later than the age of 20.

In cases of disability, the court may order child support to continue indefinitely, as long as the child remains dependent due to their disability.

Usually, whether or not your care for your child will continue on past 18 is laid out in your child support order granted by the court.

If you need to update your child support obligation, Georgia law requires you to have a new court order with a new amount before you can change what you pay. Otherwise, you must obey the current order of the court.

To find out more answers for your specific situation, contact a local child support modification attorney and set up a consultation.

What is Georgia Law on Child Support?

Georgia law bases child support on the income shares model, which means both parents’ incomes are considered in determining the amount of support.

The state uses specific guidelines to calculate child support, taking into account factors such as the parents’ gross income, health insurance costs, work-related childcare expenses, and the number of children involved.

The non-custodial parent is typically required to pay child support to the custodial parent, although the specifics can vary depending on the details of the custody agreement.

If the non-custodial parent fails to make these payments, they could face legal consequences, including wage garnishment, fines, or even jail time.

While Georgia law provides a general framework for child support, every situation is unique.

Therefore, it’s crucial to seek legal advice if you have specific questions or concerns regarding your child support obligations or rights.

Final Thoughts

Understanding when and how child support ends in Georgia is essential for both parents and children.

While the general age is 18, exceptions exist based on high school enrollment or disability.

Always consult with a legal professional to ensure you’re fully informed about your obligations and rights under Georgia’s child support laws.

To learn more, view the official Georgia Child Support guidelines:

https://childsupport.georgia.gov/legal-resources/child-support-guidelines