Child Support Arrangements in Florida: What Happens When Children Turn 18?

Child support is a crucial aspect of family law, ensuring the financial stability and well-being of children whose parents are separated or divorced. But what happens when children reach the age of 18 in Florida? Are parents still obligated to pay child support, or do their responsibilities come to an end?

In this guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of child support arrangements in Florida, including how they may be affected when children turn 18, as well as considerations for arrearages.

Understanding Child Support Laws in Florida

Child support laws in Florida, primarily outlined in Chapter 61 of the Florida Statutes, establish guidelines for calculating child support based on factors such as parental income, number of children, and time spent with each parent. Typically, child support obligations cease when the child reaches the age of majority, which is 18 in Florida. However, there are exceptions and nuances to consider.

Child Support After the Age of 18

In Florida, child support may continue beyond the age of 18 if the child is still attending high school and is expected to graduate before turning 19. In such cases, child support obligations may extend until the child graduates or turns 19, whichever comes first. This provision ensures that children receive financial support while completing their secondary education.

Post-Majority Child Support

Beyond the age of majority, child support may still be required in certain circumstances, particularly if the child has special needs or disabilities that necessitate ongoing support. Florida law allows for post-majority child support if the child is dependent on the parents due to a mental or physical incapacity that originated before reaching adulthood. In such cases, the court may order child support to continue indefinitely or until the child is no longer dependent.

Arrearages: Unpaid Child Support

Arrearages refer to unpaid child support that accumulates over time. In Florida, parents who fail to meet their child support obligations may accrue arrearages, even after the child reaches the age of 18. Arrearages can result from missed payments, underpayments, or failure to comply with court-ordered support obligations.

Enforcement of Child Support Arrearages

Arrearages are enforceable by law, and parents who owe unpaid child support may face various enforcement actions. These actions can include wage garnishment, interception of tax refunds, suspension of driver’s licenses or professional licenses, and even contempt of court charges, which may lead to fines or imprisonment. Florida has robust enforcement mechanisms in place to ensure compliance with child support orders and the satisfaction of arrearages.

Modification of Arrearages

Parents may seek modification of arrearages if there has been a substantial change in circumstances since the arrearages accrued. This could include changes in income, employment status, or the child’s needs. However, modification of arrearages does not typically apply retroactively, so any unpaid child support obligations that accrued in the past may still be enforceable.

Prepare and Plan

Child support arrangements in Florida can be complex, particularly when children reach the age of majority. While child support obligations generally end at age 18, exceptions exist, such as when the child is still in high school or has special needs requiring ongoing support. Additionally, arrearages can accumulate if child support payments are not made in full and on time. Understanding the nuances of child support laws and arrearages in Florida is essential for both paying and receiving parents to ensure compliance with court-ordered obligations and the financial well-being of their children.

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