Child support can help a lower-earning parent or a parent with more time-sharing responsibility provide for the basic needs of their children. Higher-earning parents and those who have less parenting time often pay child support to the other parents of their children.
Child support payments can help cover basic costs throughout a child’s early life. Parents who rely on child support often worry about the biggest expenses for their children, including college tuition. Do the Florida courts allow for the continuation of child support through the college years?
Child support doesn’t cover college costs
The rules for child support are slightly different in every jurisdiction. In Florida, child support usually ends when a young adult turns 18. However, if they have not yet graduated from high school, then the child support may continue until they reach 19 years of age or graduate.
The courts usually do not extend child support through the college years regardless of the circumstances. Even if they did, the amount ordered in child support is often a tiny amount when compared with the total cost of college.
Parents concerned about how living separately could affect a child’s finances during college may want to negotiate an agreement as part of their divorces or custody proceedings. Parents can commit to specific terms in a contract that can help ensure their children receive appropriate assistance throughout their college years.
Learning more about Florida child support regulations and other parenting issues can help people as they navigate divorce or separation. Parents who understand the limitations of child support may more effectively address the needs of their children. They may need to include discussions about college expenses in their custody or divorce negotiations.
