Child Support - After my child is 18, must I pay child support if he is obtaining his GED?

Question

If I am paying support on a child that has not attended high school in two years, then after he turns 18 decides to get his GED, am I responsible to pay while he is attaining his GED?

Answer

Post majority support in Michigan can be ordered only "for the time a child is regularly attending high school on a full-time basis with a reasonable expectation of completing sufficient credits to graduate from high school while residing on a full-time basis with the recipient of support or at an institution, but in no case after the child reaches 19 years and 6 months" [MCL 552.605b(2)].  Normally, a person who is attending classes for the purpose of attaining a GED is not considered to be a full time high school student with an expectation of "completing sufficient credits" to graduate.  If the child re-enrolled in high school as a full time student and was expected to graduate (with a graduating class), support would likely continue.

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Last Updated:  11-8-07

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