Confusing Child Support Law

by Todd from Florida

Confusing Child Support Law: My son was held back a grade and he will not graduate until AFTER he turns 19. He will turn 18 when he's a junior in HS (his birthday is in April). So, he will turn 19 in April and graduate in June. Florida law is a bit unclear to me on this matter.



Will I owe child support until he's 19, or until he graduates, or because he won't graduate until AFTER his 19th birthday, will I owe until his 18th birthday? The way the law as worded is: child support terminates when child is 18 or 19 if child is still in high school with a reasonable expectation of graduation BEFORE 19.

Answer to Florida Child Support Question

Dear Todd,

Yes, I know sometimes we have to wonder who is writing these laws!

That law is changing as of January 2011, back to 18 is the age of majority.

For several years, beginning around 2002, the child support/ divorce orders were written like yours – age 18 or 19 if the child is still in high school.

My suggestion is that you might want to petition the court to terminate child support at age 18; given that the law is changing anyway. It is unclear to me whether modifications will be granted based on this, but it only seems fair.

Notice: We provide these answers to the general public and our website visitors as a means to further their online legal research. These answers are merely suggestions and should not be regarded as legal advice.

If you need legal advice, we recommend LagalMatch's free Lawyer Referral Service. Many lawyers offer free initial consultations. Get the legal advice you deserve.
Free Family Lawyer Referral

Our Self Help Guide, Modifying Child Support in Florida, helps you navigate the court process and procedures once you file your documents with easy to follow checklists, links to websites, important addresses & phone numbers, and much more. Modifying Child Support In Florida

See These Related Florida Child Support Pages

Back to Top

Go to Florida Child Support

Go to Florida Child Support FAQs

Go to Florida Child Support Forms

Go to Modifying Florida Child Support Documents Preparation Service

Back to Florida Court Forms from Confusing Child Support Law