All children deserve financial support from both parents, which is a presumption child support orders all over the country address. Although each state has the ability to create its own child support guidelines, many adhere to the same standards, including at what age a child support order will terminate.
At this age, called the age of majority, it is assumed that a child is ready and able to join the workforce and make their own income. Unfortunately for children with some disabilities, reaching the age of majority doesn’t end their dependence on their parents for financial support, which begs the question:
Can a child support order be extended for a child with disabilities?
The answer to this question depends heavily on the state in which you live. Here in Georgia, §19-7-2 and §19-6-15 of the Georgia Code outline how support determinations should be made. Though the law does not specifically state that an order may be extended for the rest of the child’s life, a judge modifying an existing court order may see the child’s disability as special circumstances that might warrant a deviation from the law as long as it is in the child’s best interests.
An attorney is your best resource in these matters
Child support laws are fairly complex no matter what state you live in, which is why it’s important to talk to a lawyer when legal issues arise. Handling an issue such as the one above on one’s own might seem like a way to save on attorney’s fees, but making a mistake during the legal process could end up costing you and your child in the end.
