When two parents get divorced in New York State, one of the factors that they will have to address if their children are still dependents is child support. Typically, the noncustodial parent will be the one that the court orders to pay child support. The noncustodial parent is required to do so because they spend less time with the children but still need to help pay for their everyday lives. This can help the custodial parent pay for the day-to-day costs of having the children, such as food, clothing, extracurricular activities, and more.
One of the questions that the noncustodial parent will often ask when it comes time to issue a child support order is how long they are legally obligated to make these payments. For the most part, child support is in effect either until the child becomes emancipated or the child turns 21. Sometimes, the parent will actually be obligated to make child support payments until the child is finished with their college education. However, if the parent believes that the child is financially independent prior to that time, they can petition the court to pronounce the child officially and legally emancipated. After a declaration of emancipation, the parent can request that their child support obligation is terminated.
If you need strong legal representation regarding matters of divorce, family law, and estate law, contact the Law Offices of Susan A. Kassel, P.C. to schedule a consultation today. Our firm is proud to serve clients throughout Long Island when they face difficult legal matters.
