Q: My child graduated high school in June but turns 18 later this year. Am I obligated to pay support through 18 or grad?
State: VA.
I have always paid her mom child support in accordance with the VA guidelines as agreed upon by her mom. Her mom has never filed for support nor have I been ordered to pay. Its been this way for 16 years. I've always tried doing the right thing and have continued to pay after she graduated because I was unsure on the actual intent of the Va. Code. Now, I plan to use this money to pay toward her tuition at a major university in VA. I'd like to stop paying her mom now and funnel this money to the school. Again, she is not yet 18 but has already graduated from high school. What is the legal requirement? Also, her mom and I were never married which is why we've never gone to court.
Thank you.
A:
Child support goes until age 18.
However, if the child is still in high school on his or her 18th birthday, then support continues until age 19 or graduation, whichever first occurs.
Steve Miyares agrees with this answer
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