What are Legal Reasons to Stop Paying Child Support in Tampa?

If you have been ordered to pay child support by the courts, the order is final and legally binding. Failing to pay child support has a number of consequences. You could face enforcement actions such as being found in contempt of court, being required today to pay your former spouse’s attorney fees, and more. Still, there are times when you may have a legally valid reason to stop paying support. Below, our Tampa child support attorney explains when these are.

Child Support has Legally Ended

 In Florida, parents are typically required to pay child support until the child turns 18 years of age. State law recognizes that there are times when child support may have to extend past this date. For example, if a child turns 18 while they are still in high school and they are reasonably expected to graduate before they turn 19 years old, support obligations may continue until the child graduates or reaches 19 years of age, whichever happens first.

There are other instances when child support may continue past a child’s 18th birthday. This is often the case when the child has special needs. Additionally, parents may also agree to continue paying child support, such as if their child is going to college or university.

Some child support orders in Florida have a termination date. In these cases, parents can automatically stop paying support without having to obtain a termination order from the court, and without facing any consequences.

Your Child No Longer Requires Support 

Child support is only intended to meet the financial needs of the child. When financial support is no longer needed, it can provide reason to stop paying child support. You may be able to stop paying support if your child:

• Passes away
• Gets married
• Becomes emancipated
• Joins the armed forces

In the above instances, child support does not automatically end. You must petition the court for a modification and show that your obligation is complete.

You Successfully Modified the Original Order

 Before you stop making child support payments, you must petition the court and ask them to modify the order. This is true even if you and the other parent get married or start cohabitating. When modifying a child support order you must show that there has been a substantial change in circumstances. These may include:

• You suffered a disability or serious illness that has impacted your livelihood
• You changed careers
• You enrolled in school
• The time-sharing arrangement has changed
• Your child is spending more overnight visits with you
• You have recently retired

Call Our Child Support Attorney in Tampa Today

 Although there are times when you can stop paying child support, it is critical that you do so properly so you do not face any potential consequences. At All Family Law Group, P.A., our Tampa child support attorney can review the facts of your case, determine if you can stop or modify payments, and guide you through the process. Call us today at 813-672-1900 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to get the legal advice you need. Se Habla Espanol.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.30.html