Charlottesville Divorce Lawyer Rob Hagy-Divorce Did You Know #6-Can A Court Award Child Support When A Child Is Over 18?

Under certain circumstances, a court can award child support when a child is over the age of 18.  Here is the statute which governs the determination.

“The court may order that support be paid for any child of the parties. The court shall also order that support will continue to be paid for any child over the age of 18 who is (i) a full-time high school student, (ii) not self-supporting, and (iii) living in the home of the party seeking or receiving child support until such child reaches the age of 19 or graduates from high school, whichever first occurs. The court may also order the continuation of support for any child over the age of 18 who is (i) severely and permanently mentally or physically disabled, (ii) unable to live independently and support himself, and (iii) resides in the home of the parent seeking or receiving child support. In addition, the court may confirm a stipulation or agreement of the parties which extends a support obligation beyond when it would otherwise terminate as provided by law. The court shall have no authority to decree support of children payable by the estate of a deceased party. The court may make such further decree as it shall deem expedient concerning support of the minor children, including an order that either party or both parties provide health care coverage or cash medical support, or both.”

Virginia Code Section 20-124.2(C).

-Rob Hagy, Charlottesville Divorce Lawyer  For more help, please call me at 434.293.4562 or email me at rob@robhagylaw.com.