Child Support - What steps do I take, if any, to end the child support for a child who graduates from high school.

Question

The oldest of two of whom I pay child support will be graduating on May 31, 2009.  There is support in arrearage.  What steps do I take, if any, to end the support for the graduate.  How does this work?

Answer

Under Michigan law, child support continues beyond age 18 if the child is enrolled full time in high school with a projected graduation date and is living full time with the recipient of support or at an institution.

The Friend of the Court contacts the custodial parent prior to the minor child's 18th birthday and verifies post-majority support.  If the minor child qualifies for post-majority support, the child support charges are then scheduled to terminate upon graduation (or age 19 yrs, 6 months which is the maximum under the law).

You should not have to do anything to have the charges stopped upon graduation, but it would not hurt to contact your Friend of the Court Office to verify that the charges are due to terminate upon graduation.

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Last Updated:  3-26-09

Send your comments, questions and suggestions to Phil Harter at 161 E Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, Michigan 49014 or e mail to: pharter@calhouncountymi.gov