How long will I have to pay child support?

The vast majority of the time, child support is paid until the last child turns 18 years of age or graduates from high school with his/her regular class, whichever occurs later. There are rare circumstances in which it may be lengthened or shortened.  more

Pennsylvania law establishes that both parents are liable for the support of their children who are unemancipated and 18 years of age or older. For example, a support obligation may continue for a child who is 18 and still attending high school, one of the parents may file a “Petition for Modification of an Existing Support Order” to request that the child support order be stopped. See Question and Answer #3 for more information. Additionally, there may be other situations, such as the existence of physical or emotional challenges, when parents may be required to pay support for a child who is 18 years of age or older. Arrears remain an outstanding debt until paid in full, regardless of how long that takes. Modification of a support order will not eliminate arrears that accumulated as a result of nonpayment of the support order.  more

Pennsylvania law establishes that both parents are liable for the support of their children who are unemancipated and 18 years of age or younger. However, parents may be liable for the support of their children who are 18 years of age or older. For example, a support obligation may continue for a child who is 18 and still attending high school. When a child is emancipated, or over 18 years of age and no longer attending high school, one of the parents may file a "Petition for Modification of an Existing Support Order" to request that the child support order be stopped. See Question and Answer #3 for more information. Additionally, there may be other situations, such as the existence of physical or emotional challenges, when parents may be required to pay support for a child who is 18 years of age or older. Arrears remain an outstanding debt until paid in full, regardless of how long that takes. Modification of a child support order will not eliminate arrears that accumulated as a ...  more

Child support is required until the child either turns 18 or gets married. If the child is disabled before turning 18, support obligations can continue into the child's adulthood.  more

Child support is generally paid until the child reaches 18. However, in certain circumstances child support payments can be extended to help pay for educational needs or medical-related care.  more

Pennsylvania law establishes that both parents are liable for the support of their children who are unemancipated and 18 years of age or older. For example, a support obligation may continue for a child who is 18 and still attending high school, one of the parents may file a "Petition for Modification of an Existing Support Order" to request that the child support order be stopped. See Question and Answer #3 for more information. Additionally, there may be other situations, such as the existence of physical or emotional challenges, when parents may be required to pay support for a child who is 18 years of age or older. Arrears remain an outstanding debt until paid in full, regardless of how long that takes. Modification of a support order will not eliminate arrears that accumulated as a result of nonpayment of the support order. 5. What is an income-withholding order? A court order that directs an employer to deduct support from a noncustodial parent's wages. 6. How are income- ...  more

• Can I collect child support? Due to the fact that there are so many questions to be addressed, and the answers will depend upon the father’s individual situation, it is usually in the father’s best interest to consult with an experienced Portland family lawyer. A family law attorney who is familiar with fathers’ rights will be able to truthfully answer questions pertaining to child support payments and Oregon child support laws. In applicable cases, a Portland lawyer can also help fathers file for child support payments.  more