It's That Time of the Year

One of the most anticipated days in the life of any payor of child support is the date their child gets emancipated. In Illinois, emancipation occurs on the date the child turns 18 and/or has graduated from high school, whichever occur last. So if you have an 18 year old who is set to graduate soon and you pay child support, keep in mind that in most cases, you need to file the appropriate motion and obtain a court order permitting child support to terminate. TERMINATION OF SUPPORT DOES NOT HAPPEN AUTOMATICALLY, regardless of what that Uniform Order of Support says. Your legal obligation to pay support will continue indefinitely until you obtain a court order formally terminating the support obligation. If you stop making payments without a court order, this could be you. 

If you receive support, keep in mind that the court should not terminate child support if there are any outstanding support obligations that are still owed. And that usually includes not just child support, but child related expenses like extracurricular activity and/or uncovered medical expenses as well.

If you need to terminate your child support or have questions about child support, please call Gordon Nelson Law.