Q: Does the court automatically discharge support once a child turns 19? Or is there something that I have to do?

A: Good morning,

That depends on how many children you are paying support. If you have only one child, then it automatically terminates upon reaching age 19 unless it meets limited exceptions to go beyond that age.

If you are paying support for more than one child, then it does not automatically terminate unless there is very specific language indicating that there is a set amount paid just for this child, however I do not see that language very often.

So if there is more than one child, you will have to do a modification of child support to reduce the remaining support for the other child.

If I can assist you in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Carolyn Duncan,

Carolyn Moller Duncan, P.C.

7899 S. Lincoln Court, Suite 207

Littleton, Colorado 80122

Phone No. 303-2358

Email: carolyn@duncanlegal.com

A: If there is only one child, support will automatically terminate at age 19 and you do not need to do anything. However, if there is more than 1 child, the support obligation does not automatically change upon a child reaching age 19. There can be a new calculation of the support amount. That requires filing a motion to modify support. However, it does not go down proportionally. For example, if it is $1000 for 2 children, it is not $500 for 1 child. The new calculation will be based on the parties current incomes. Sometimes, that might result in an increase in the support amount.