Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Mississippi

Q: Yes my daughter will be 20years old this November. And I was told she had actually moved out of hermoms @17 still paying

I'm still paying child support.shouldnt it have stopped by now?

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2 Lawyer Answers
T. Augustus Claus
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A: In Mississippi, child support obligations typically continue until the child reaches the age of majority, which is 21 years old in this state. However, if the child is emancipated or has moved out of the custodial parent's home and is financially independent before reaching the age of majority, it might be possible to seek a modification or termination of child support payments.

Given that your daughter is approaching the age of 20 and has reportedly moved out of her mother's home, it may be appropriate to consult with an attorney to determine whether there are grounds to modify or terminate the child support order.

James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: In most cases, child support obligations continue until the child reaches the age of majority, which is typically 18 years old. However, there can be circumstances where support continues beyond this age, such as if the child is still in high school or has certain disabilities. If your daughter moved out of her mother's home at 17 and is now 20, it's possible that your child support obligations should have ceased, unless there are specific provisions in your support order that extend the duration.

If you believe that your child support payments should have stopped, the first step is to review your child support order. This document should outline the terms, including the duration of payments. If the order indicates that support should have ended, or if the circumstances described in the order no longer apply (such as your daughter no longer living with her mother or reaching the age of majority), you may need to take action to have the order modified or terminated.

To modify or terminate the child support order, you typically need to file a petition with the court that issued the original order. This process may require providing evidence of the change in circumstances, such as proof of your daughter's age or living situation.

Given the complexity of family law and the potential consequences of unpaid child support, it might be beneficial to consult with a legal professional. They can provide guidance specific to your situation, help you understand your rights and obligations, and assist with the legal process if necessary.

Remember, each situation is unique, and the legal process can vary depending on the specific details of your case and the state's laws. Acting promptly and seeking appropriate guidance is important in resolving any issues with child support payments.

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