Minor children depend on their parents to pay for everything from their housing and medical to their food and clothing. Raising a child into adulthood is a costly endeavor.
When parents do not live together, then one of the parents in the family may pay child support to the other. The funds that they provide help cover a portion of the expenses that parents generally incur. For many families, financial support of children does not end automatically when a child becomes a legal adult.
Instead, they may continue providing their child with financial support for years. Especially when a high school graduate intends to pursue higher education, financial support from parents may be critical. Is child support likely to continue through the college years to help offset the cost of a degree?
Extending child support is an option
Provided that the young adult maintains full-time enrollment, they may be eligible for continued child support. However, even if they have not yet finished their degree, mandated child support usually does not last past their 23rd birthday.
While child support through the college years can be helpful, it is unlikely to cover the cost of tuition, as well as the other expenses that a college student might incur. Parents may need to reach a private agreement regarding how they intend to cover the remainder of the college expenses.
There are limitations to college child support, but pursuing it can be beneficial for those still supporting their adult children. Discussing child support concerns and other parenting matters with a legal professional can help people understand state laws and make the right choices for their children.