Child Support - If I do not live with my parent, am I entitled to child
support which was ordered in the divorce?
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Question
I just have a few questions about moving out of my house with parental
consent. I am 17 years of age and will be 18 on October 15, 2002.
I have consent from both parents (divorced) to move out of my house and
I have a few legal questions. First of all, I currently am living with
my mother and am planning to move out of her house into an apartment with
my girlfriend of two years. I will be a high school senior during
the 2002-2003 school year. My father currently pays child support
on me in the amount of 100 dollars every two weeks. For the last
two weeks (June 30 to July 9) I have been staying with my girlfriend and
her family while closing the deal on an apartment. My question is
mainly about the chid support. Am I entitled to the child support
during this two week period that I have been staying with my girlfriend
and also am I entitled to these funds after I have moved out into an apartment
with my girlfriend. Or is there some sort of form to file, or hearing
to schedule?
Answer
Child support is not owed to the minor child. It is always owed to
the custodial parent. If the custodial parent wishes to give the
support money to the minor child, that's his or her decision. Support
is normally ordered to age 18 or graduated high school, whichever occurs
last. HOWEVER, in order for support to continue past age 18, the
minor child must be residing with the custodial parent. If this minor
child is living on his own after age 18, even though still in high school,
support will terminate at that point. (Obviously if either or both
parents wish to give money to him as support, that's OK, but it will not
be through the FOC).
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Last Updated: 7-16-02
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