True or false: Does child support cease at the age of 18?

SMS Conversion

- Have you already paid your college fees?

- No... I don't have any money this month

- Well you can always ask your mother!

- Well no, I'm just 18

My father is going to stop paying child support

Does child support cease at the age of 18?

No, child support does not automatically end with the majority of the child. Parents are required to maintain their adult child until the child meets his or her own needs. Maintenance therefore remains payable as long as the child is in education, training or actively seeking work. In principle, parenting agreements and decisions of the judge specify this point. In the event of a conflict, the parents may refer the matter to the family court. This is the case, for example, if one of the parents considers that maintenance is no longer due or that it should be reduced because the young adult receives income in the context of work-linked training or a student job. Finally, maintenance is not payable indefinitely, it ceases when the child is financially self-sufficient.

Key Points Reminder

• Maintenance may continue to be paid at the age of 18
• It remains due as long as the adult is studying, training or looking for work
• In the event of a conflict, the parents may refer the matter to the judge
• The pension ceases when the child is financially independent