When Does Child Support End in New York?

Parents have a legal responsibility to financially support their children until they at least reach the “age of majority,” the legal age at which the child is no longer considered to be a minor and is capable of making adult choices on their own behalves.

The age of majority differs from state to state. In some states, it is 18 years old or graduation from high school. In others it is 21. Most states use 18 as the age of majority because it is the age of legal adulthood in the United States, but there are some states that require child support while a child is attending college or an institution of higher learning.

It should also be noted that some special rules may apply if the child is disabled or has special needs.

New York’s age of majority

In New York, the general age of majority is set at 18, but child support may continue until the child reaches 21 years of age. This means if a child is attending college, the non-custodial parent may be required to continue making some child support payments until the child reaches 21 years old.

If this does happen, the child support payments are likely to be adjusted given the child’s changing circumstances. The child may be able to pay for some of his or her education through scholarships, grants, financial aid and their own employment during the school year and summer break. This would alleviate some of the responsibility each parent has.

Once the child reaches 21 years old, however, all child support requirements cease, even if the child is still attending college. Therefore, it is important for families to plan ahead for this and make sure they are financially prepared for handling life after support ends.

For more information about the age of majority in New York, contact an experienced divorce lawyer at Bryan L. Salamone & Associates.