Does Child Support End When Your Child Goes to College? (All 50 States’ Laws)

Child support is a legal obligation that many parents must fulfill to ensure the financial stability and well-being of their children.

However, what happens when your child reaches college age? Does child support continue through their higher education?

Whether you are a parent who is paying or receiving child support, it is essential to understand your rights and responsibilities, so you can make informed decisions about your child’s future.

Continue reading to find out the laws in your state.

Does Child Support Continue During College in Alabama?

Alabama  

In Alabama, no law requires a parent to continue paying child support while their child is in college. In Alabama, the obligation to pay child support ends when the child reaches the age of majority, which, in Alabama, is age 19. Ala. Code § 26-1-1.

In Alabama, child support payments can continue past the age of majority to pay for college expenses, but only if the parents put the terms of the agreement into their divorce settlement and a judge incorporates the terms into the divorce order.  

Does Child Support Continue During College in Alaska?

In Alaska, no law requires a parent to continue paying child support while their child is in college. In Alaska, the obligation to pay child support ends when the child reaches the age of majority, which, in Alaska, is age 18.

If the child is still in high school or vocational school when they turn 18, the obligation to pay child support continues until the child graduates or turns 19 years old, whichever comes first. Alaska Stat. §25.20.010, §25.24.140(a)(3), §25.24.170(a).

In Alaska, child support payments can continue past the age of majority to pay for college expenses, but only if the parents put the terms of the agreement into their divorce settlement and a judge incorporates the terms into the divorce order. 

 

Does Child Support Continue During College in Arizona?

In Arizona, no law requires a parent to continue paying child support while their child is in college. In Arizona, the obligation to pay child support ends when the child reaches the age of majority, which, in Arizona, is age 18.

In Arizona, the obligation to pay child support ends at age 18 unless: (1) the child is still in high school and only then until the child turns 19, or (2) the child suffers from a severe physical or mental disability that existed before he became an adult. Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 25-320(F), § 25-501(A).

In Arizona, child support payments can continue past the age of majority to pay for college expenses, but only if the parents put the terms of the agreement into their divorce settlement and a judge incorporates the terms into the divorce order.  

Does Child Support Continue During College in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, no law requires a parent to continue paying child support while their child is in college. In Arkansas, the obligation to pay child support ends when the child reaches the age of majority, which, in Arkansas, is age 18.

If the child is still in high school or vocational school when they turn 18, the obligation to pay child support continues until the child graduates or turns 19 years old, whichever comes first. Ark. Code § 9-25-101.

In Arkansas, child support payments can continue past the age of majority to pay for college expenses, but only if the parents put the terms of the agreement into their divorce settlement and a judge incorporates the terms into the divorce order.  

Does Child Support Continue During College in California?

In California, no law requires a parent to continue paying child support while their child is in college. In California, the obligation to pay child support ends when the child reaches the age of majority, which, in California, is age 18.

If the child is still in high school or vocational school when they turn 18, the obligation to pay child support continues until the child graduates or turns 19 years old, whichever comes first. Cal.Fam.Code § 3901.

In California, child support payments can continue past the age of majority to pay for college expenses, but only if the parents put the terms of the agreement into their divorce settlement and a judge incorporates the terms into the divorce order.  

Does Child Support Continue During College in Colorado?

In Colorado, no law requires a parent to continue paying child support while their child is in college. In Colorado, the obligation to pay child support ends when the child reaches the age of majority, which, in Colorado, is age 19.

If the child is still in high school or vocational school when they turn 19, the obligation to pay child support continues until the end of the month following graduation. Colo. Rev. Stat. §14-10-115 (13) for orders entered after July 1, 1997.

In Colorado, child support payments can continue past the age of majority to pay for college expenses, but only if the parents put the terms of the agreement into their divorce settlement and a judge incorporates the terms into the divorce order.  

Does Child Support Continue During College in Connecticut? 

Connecticut statutes do require the payment of child support while a child is attending college. According to Connecticut law, if a child attends college or is enrolled in a vocational training program, the court may order the divorcing parents (including fathers who are subject to paternity orders) to continue paying child support until the child is 23 years old.

Orders for educational support may cover costs for lodging, meals, fees, books, tuition, health and dental care, and application fees. This order may require one parent to pay the money to the other parent or directly to the educational institution itself. Conn. Gen. Stat. §46b-56c.

In Connecticut, if the child has not enrolled in college, child support generally ends at 18 years of age. If the child is still living with one parent and is enrolled in high school, child support continues until the child graduates from high school or turns 19, whichever comes first. Conn. Gen. Stat. §1-1d; Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-84.

Does Child Support Continue During College in Delaware? 

In Delaware, no law requires a parent to continue paying child support while their child is in college. In Delaware, the obligation to pay child support ends when the child reaches the age of majority, which, in Delaware, is age 18.

If the child is still in high school or vocational school when they turn 18, the obligation to pay child support continues until the child graduates or turns 19 years old, whichever comes first. Del. Code Ann. tit. 13, §501(a)(b)(c)(d).

In Delaware, child support payments can continue past the age of majority to pay for college expenses, but only if the parents put the terms of the agreement into their divorce settlement and a judge incorporates the terms into the divorce order.  

Does Child Support Continue During College in Georgia? 

In Georgia, no law requires a parent to continue paying child support while their child is in college. In Georgia, the obligation to pay child support ends when the child reaches the age of majority, which, in Georgia, is age 18.

If the child is still in high school or vocational school when they turn 18, the obligation to pay child support continues until the child graduates or turns 20 years old, whichever comes first. Ga. Code §39-1-1; §19-6-15(e).

In Georgia, child support payments can continue past the age of majority to pay for college expenses, but only if the parents put the terms of the agreement into their divorce settlement and a judge incorporates the terms into the divorce order.  

Does Child Support Continue During College in Hawaii?

Hawaii statutes do require the payment of child support while a child is attending college. According to Hawaii law, if a child is enrolled in college, the court may order the paying parent to continue providing child support until the child reaches the age of 23. 

For child support to continue past age 19, the law requires the custodial parent or child to provide written notice of the intent to go to college to the non-custodial parent. The notice must be sent three months before the child reaches 19 and must inform the non-custodial parent that the child is presently enrolled as a full-time student in school or has been accepted into and plans to attend as a full-time student for the next semester in a post-high school university, college or vocational school. Hawaii Rev. Stat. §577-1; Hawaii Rev. Stat. § 576E-14; Hawaii Rev. Stat. § 584-18.

Does Child Support Continue During College in Idaho?

In Idaho, no law requires a parent to continue paying child support while their child is in college. In Idaho, the obligation to pay child support ends when the child reaches the age of majority, which, in Idaho, is age 18.

If the child is still in high school or vocational school when they turn 18, the obligation to pay child support continues until the child graduates or turns 19 years old, whichever comes first. Idaho Code §32-706.

In Idaho, child support payments can continue past the age of majority to pay for college expenses, but only if the parents put the terms of the agreement into their divorce settlement and a judge incorporates the terms into the divorce order.  

Does Child Support Continue During College in Illinois?

Illinois statutes do require the payment of child support while a child is attending college. According to Illinois law, if a child is enrolled in college, the court may order the paying parent to continue providing child support until the child reaches the age of 25. 

Room and board, fees, tuition, books, transportation costs, registration and application fees, medical costs (including insurance), and living expenses are all included in the cost of attending college. IL ST CH 750 § 5/513.

Does Child Support Continue During College in Indiana?  

Indiana’s statutes can require the payment of child support for a limited time while the child is attending college. Indiana’s emancipation age is 19. 

In Indiana, a child under age 19 can petition the court to request child support to continue for college expenses until the child reaches the age of 19. Child support, including support for college, terminates when the child turns 19. Ind. Code § 31-16-6-6(c); Ind. Code § 31-16-6-2.

Does Child Support Continue During College in Iowa? 

Iowa statutes allow the courts in Iowa to order parents to pay a portion of their child’s college costs for a child between the age of 18 and 22. This support is known as a “postsecondary education subsidy.” 

For a court to order child support to continue, the courts must decide if there is justification for the child to receive the postsecondary education subsidy.

The courts will take into account the following when deciding whether there is good cause for a court-ordered postsecondary education subsidy:

  • The child’s age.

  • Whether the child is capable of being self-sufficient.

  • The child’s educational capabilities

  • Financial resources of the child.

  • The parents’ financial situation.

The reasonable cost of in-state tuition and other necessary college-related expenses are taken into account by the courts when determining the amount of court-ordered support for college costs. The court will also determine what the child is reasonably expected to contribute to their own education, including scholarships, grants, financial aid, student loans, and the student’s ability to work while attending classes are a few examples of these contributions.

The Iowa statutes mandate that the student give each parent a copy of their grades at the conclusion of each academic term. After receiving the grades, the student has ten days to complete this. Additionally, in order to keep the court-ordered subsidy, the student is required by law to maintain a cumulative grade point average that is at least in the median range. If both parties agree, the required minimum GPA may be changed.

The estimated cost of the student’s college education will be determined by the courts, who will then divide it between the two parents after taking the student’s expected contribution into account. Iowa law states that the amount ordered to be paid by each parent cannot be more than 33 1/3% of the total cost of the child’s undergraduate education. The law also specifies that the postsecondary subsidy will be paid directly to the financial institution the child attends or to the child themselves. Iowa Code § 598.1(8); Iowa Code §598.1(9); Iowa Code §598.21f.

Does Child Support Continue During College in Kansas?  

In Kansas, no law requires a parent to continue paying child support while their child is in college. In Kansas, the obligation to pay child support ends when the child reaches the age of majority, which, in Kansas, is age 18.

If the child is still in high school or vocational school when they turn 18, the obligation to pay child support continues until the child graduates or turns 19 years old, whichever comes first. Kan. Stat. Ann. §38-101; Kan. Stat. Ann. §23-3001.

In Kansas, child support payments can continue past the age of majority to pay for college expenses, but only if the parents put the terms of the agreement into their divorce settlement and a judge incorporates the terms into the divorce order.  

Does Child Support Continue During College in Kentucky? 

In Kentucky, no law requires a parent to continue paying child support while their child is in college. In Kentucky, the obligation to pay child support ends when the child reaches the age of majority, which, in Kentucky, is age 18.

If the child is still in high school or vocational school when they turn 18, the obligation to pay child support continues until the child graduates or turns 19 years old, whichever comes first. Ky. Rev. Stat. §403.213(3) Kan. Stat. Ann. §38-101; Kan. Stat. Ann. §23-3001.

In Kentucky, child support payments can continue past the age of majority to pay for college expenses, but only if the parents put the terms of the agreement into their divorce settlement and a judge incorporates the terms into the divorce order.  

Does Child Support Continue During College in Louisiana? 

In Louisiana, no law requires a parent to continue paying child support while their child is in college. In Louisiana, the obligation to pay child support ends when the child reaches the age of majority, which, in Louisiana, is age 18.

If the child is still in high school or vocational school when they turn 18, the obligation to pay child support continues until the child graduates or turns 19 years old, whichever comes first. La. Civil Code Ann. art. 29; La. Stat. Ann. § 9:315.22.

In Louisiana, child support payments can continue past the age of majority to pay for college expenses, but only if the parents put the terms of the agreement into their divorce settlement and a judge incorporates the terms into the divorce order. 

Does Child Support Continue During College in Maine? 

 In Maine, no law requires a parent to continue paying child support while their child is in college. 

In Maine, the obligation to pay child support continues until the child turns 18 years of age unless the child has withdrawn or is expelled from high school. Then, child support ends with expulsion or withdrawal from high school. If the child is still in high school or vocational school when they turn 18, the obligation to pay child support continues until the child graduates or turns 19 years old, whichever comes first. Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 19-A, §1653(12).

In Maine, child support payments can continue past the age of majority to pay for college expenses, but only if the parents put the terms of the agreement into their divorce settlement and a judge incorporates the terms into the divorce order. 

Does Child Support Continue During College in Maryland? 

In Maryland, no law requires a parent to continue paying child support while their child is in college. In Maryland, the obligation to pay child support ends when the child reaches the age of majority, which, in Maryland, is age 18.

If the child is still in high school or vocational school when they turn 18, the obligation to pay child support continues until the child graduates or turns 19 years old, whichever comes first. MD GEN PROVIS § 1-401.

In Maryland, child support payments can continue past the age of majority to pay for college expenses, but only if the parents put the terms of the agreement into their divorce settlement and a judge incorporates the terms into the divorce order. Md. Family Law Code Ann. § 12-202.

Does Child Support Continue During College in Massachusetts? 

Massachusetts’ statutes can require the payment of child support while the child is attending college. 

In Massachusetts, child support ends at typically ends 18 but may extend to 21 if the child is living with the parent and is enrolled in an educational program. Mass. Gen. Laws Ann. ch. 4, §7(48); Mass. Gen. Laws Ann. ch. 209, §37

The statutes in Massachusetts also allow a court, in its discretion, to order child support to continue up to age 23 if a child is domiciled with a parent and is dependent on that parent because the child is enrolled in an educational program. Child support ends at 23 and does not include any costs beyond an undergraduate degree.Mass. Gen. Laws. Ch. 208, § 28.

Does Child Support Continue During College in Michigan?  

In Michigan, no law requires a parent to continue paying child support while their child is in college. In Michigan, the obligation to pay child support ends when the child reaches the age of majority, which, in Michigan, is age 18.

If the child is still in high school or vocational school when they turn 18, the obligation to pay child support continues until the child graduates or turns 19 years and 6 months old, whichever comes first. Mich. Comp. Laws §722.52; §552.605b.

In Michigan, child support payments can continue past the age of majority to pay for college expenses, but only if the parents put the terms of the agreement into their divorce settlement and a judge incorporates the terms into the divorce order. Rowley v. Garvin, 562 N.W.2d 262 (Mich.App.Ct. 1996)

Does Child Support Continue During College in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, no law requires a parent to continue paying child support while their child is in college. In Minnesota, the obligation to pay child support ends when the child reaches the age of majority, which, in Minnesota, is age 18.

If the child is still in high school or vocational school when they turn 18, the obligation to pay child support continues until the child graduates or turns 20 years old, whichever comes first. Minn. Stat. §518A.26, subd.5.

In Michigan, child support payments can continue past the age of majority to pay for college expenses, but only if the parents put the terms of the agreement into their divorce settlement and a judge incorporates the terms into the divorce order. Minn. Stat. § 518.551 subd. 5d.

Does Child Support Continue During College in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, child support does not end until the child reaches the age of 21, gets married, or joins the military. MS ST § 93-11-65. The parties may agree to continue support beyond the age of majority, but trial courts do not have the authority to order a parent to pay college expenses for a child after the child reaches the age of majority, which is age 21. Stokes v. Maris, 596 So.2d 879 (Miss. 1992). (Miss. 1992).

Does Child Support Continue During College in Missouri?  

Missouri’s statutes can require the payment of child support while the child is attending college. According to current Missouri law, child support is paid until a child reaches the age of 21 as long as the child is enrolled in college or a vocational program. 

According to Missouri law, parents can be obligated to contribute toward college tuition and expenses until the child graduates or turns 21 years old, whichever occurs first. Mo. Rev. Stat. § 452.340(5).

If the child does not attend college, the obligation to pay child support ends when the child reaches the age of majority, which, in Missouri, is age 18.

If the child is still in high school or vocational school when they turn 18, the obligation to pay child support continues until the child graduates or turns 21 years old, whichever comes first. Mo. Rev. Stat. §452.340.

Does Child Support Continue During College in Montana? 

In Montana, no law requires a parent to continue paying child support while their child is in college. In Montana, the obligation to pay child support ends when the child reaches the age of majority, which, in Montana, is age 18.

If the child is still in high school or vocational school when they turn 18, the obligation to pay child support continues until the child graduates or turns 19 years old, whichever comes first. Mont. Code Ann. §40-4-208(5); §40-5-201(2)

In Montana, child support payments can continue past the age of majority to pay for college expenses, but only if the parents put the terms of the agreement into their divorce settlement and a judge incorporates the terms into the divorce order. 

Does Child Support Continue During College in Nebraska? 

In Nebraska, no law requires a parent to continue paying child support while their child is in college. In Nebraska, child support ends upon the child reaching age 19, emancipation, or marriage, whichever occurs first. Neb. Rev. Stat. §43-2101; §42-371.01.  

A “district court in a dissolution action may not order child support beyond the age of the majority of a child over the objection of any parent.” Zetterman v. Zetterman, 512 N.W.2d 622, 624 (1994)

In Nebraska, child support payments can continue past the age of majority to pay for college expenses, but only if the parents put the terms of the agreement into their divorce settlement and a judge incorporates the terms into the divorce order. 

Does Child Support Continue During College in Nevada?

In Nevada, no law requires a parent to continue paying child support while their child is in college. In Nevada, the obligation to pay child support ends when the child reaches the age of majority, which, in Nevada, is age 18.

If the child is still in high school or vocational school when they turn 18, the obligation to pay child support continues until the child graduates or turns 19 years old, whichever comes first. Nev. Rev. Stat. §129.010, Nev. Rev. Stat. §425.300.

In Nevada, child support payments can continue past the age of majority to pay for college expenses, but only if the parents put the terms of the agreement into their divorce settlement and a judge incorporates the terms into the divorce order. 

Does Child Support Continue During College in New Hampshire? 

In New Hampshire, no law requires a parent to continue paying child support while their child is in college. 

In New Hampshire, child support continues until the child becomes 18 or graduates from high school, whichever comes first, or until they get married, enlist in the military, or are declared emancipated as a result of an emancipation order.N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. §461-A:14(IV)

Parents can agree to consider college expenses in the divorce settlement. As part of a stipulated decree, signed by both parents and accepted by the court. N.H. Rev. Stat. § 461-A:21.

New Jersey –

New Jersey’s statutes can require the payment of child support while the child is attending college. 

In New Jersey, child support will terminate when the child reaches age 19 unless the child is a student in a postsecondary education program and is enrolled in the number of hours or courses the school considers to be full-time attendance. In that case, child support may be extended to age 23. N.J. Stat. Ann. §2A:17-56.67.

Does Child Support Continue During College in New Mexico? 

In Nevada, no law requires a parent to continue paying child support while their child is in college. 

In New Mexico, the obligation to pay child support continues until the child turns 18 years of age. If the child is still in high school or vocational school when they turn 18, the obligation to pay child support continues until the child graduates or turns 19 years old, whichever comes first.N.M. Stat. Ann. §40-4-7(B)(3)(b).

In New Mexico, child support payments can continue past the age of majority to pay for college expenses, but only if the parents put the terms of the agreement into their divorce settlement and a judge incorporates the terms into the divorce order. 

Does Child Support Continue During College in New York? 

New York’s statutes can require the payment of child support while the child is attending college. According to current New York law, child support is paid until a child reaches the age of 21 as long as the child is enrolled in college or a vocational program. 

According to New York law, parents can be obligated to contribute toward college tuition and expenses until the child graduates or turns 21 years old, whichever occurs first .N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 240(1-b)(c )(7).

If the child does not attend college, the obligation to pay child support ends when the child reaches the age of 21. N.Y. Family Court §413(1)a.

Child support can end before age 21 if the child is emancipated, meaning the child is married, self-supporting, or in the military.

Does Child Support Continue During College in North Carolina? 

In North Carolina, no law requires a parent to continue paying child support while their child is in college. 

In North Carolina, the obligation to pay child support continues until the child turns 18 years of age. If the child is still in high school or vocational school when they turn 18, the obligation to pay child support continues until the child graduates or turns 20 years old, whichever comes first.N.C. Gen. Stat. §50-13.4.

In North Carolina, child support payments can continue past the age of majority to pay for college expenses, but only if the parents put the terms of the agreement into their divorce settlement and a judge incorporates the terms into the divorce order. 

Does Child Support Continue During College in North Dakota? 

In North Dakota, no law requires a parent to continue paying child support while their child is in college. 

In North Dakota, the obligation to pay child support continues until the child turns 18 years of age. If the child is still in high school or vocational school when they turn 18, the obligation to pay child support continues until the child graduates or turns 20 years old, whichever comes first.N.D. Cent. Code §14-09-08.2.

In North Dakota, child support payments can continue past the age of majority to pay for college expenses, but only if the parents put the terms of the agreement into their divorce settlement and a judge incorporates the terms into the divorce order. N.D. Cent. Code §14-09-08.2(6).

Does Child Support Continue During College in Ohio? 

In Ohio, no law requires a parent to continue paying child support while their child is in college. 

In Ohio, the obligation to pay child support continues until the child turns 18 years of age. If the child is still in high school or vocational school when they turn 18, the obligation to pay child support continues until the child graduates as long as the child attends high school on a full-time basis.Ohio Rev. Code Ann. §3109.01; Ohio Rev. Code Ann. §3119.88; Ohio Rev. Code Ann. §3119.86

In Ohio, child support payments can continue past the age of majority to pay for college expenses, but only if the parents put the terms of the agreement into their divorce settlement and a judge incorporates the terms into the divorce order.

Does Child Support Continue During College in Oklahoma?  

In Oklahoma, no law requires a parent to continue paying child support while their child is in college. 

In Oklahoma, the obligation to pay child support continues until the child turns 18 years of age. If the child is still in high school or vocational school when they turn 18, the obligation to pay child support continues until the child graduates or turns 20 years old, whichever comes first.Okla. Stat. tit. 43, §112(E).

In Oklahoma, child support payments can continue past the age of majority to pay for college expenses, but only if the parents put the terms of the agreement into their divorce settlement and a judge incorporates the terms into the divorce order.

 Does Child Support Continue During College in Oregon? 

Oregon’s statutes can require the payment of child support while the child is attending college. According to current Oregon law, child support is paid until a child reaches the age of 21 as long as the child is enrolled in college or a vocational program. 

According to Oregon law, parents can be obligated to contribute toward college tuition and expenses until the child graduates or turns 21 years old, whichever occurs first . Or. Rev. Stat. § 107.108

If the child does not attend college, the obligation to pay child support ends when the child reaches the age of majority, which, in Oregon, is age 18.

If the child is still in high school when they turn 18, the obligation to pay child support continues until the child graduates or turns 21 years old, whichever comes first. Or. Rev. Stat. §109.510; Or. Rev. Stat. §107.108

Does Child Support Continue During College in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, no law requires a parent to continue paying child support while their child is in college. 

In Pennsylvania, the obligation to pay child support ends at age 18 or high school graduation, whichever is later, unless the child was emancipated at an earlier age. Pa. Cons. Stat. tit. 23, §4321(2)

In Pennsylvania, child support payments can continue past the age of majority to pay for college expenses, but only if the parents put the terms of the agreement into their divorce settlement and a judge incorporates the terms into the divorce order. Curtis v. Kline, 542 Pa. 249, 666 A.2d 265 (1995).

Does Child Support Continue During College in Rhode Island?

In Rhode Island, no law requires a parent to continue paying child support while their child is in college. 

 In Rhode Island, the obligation to pay child support ends at age 18 unless the child is still in high school, then for 90 days following graduation – but not to exceed the child’s 19th birthday. R.I. Gen. Laws §15-5-16.2(b).

In Rhode Island, child support payments can continue past the age of majority to pay for college expenses, but only if the parents put the terms of the agreement into their divorce settlement and a judge incorporates the terms into the divorce order.

Does Child Support Continue During College in South Carolina? 

South Carolina’s statutes can require the payment of child support while the child is attending college.

In South Carolina, the court may order college support after age 18 where exceptional circumstances warrant it. A family court judge may require a parent to contribute that amount of money necessary to enable a child over 18 to attend high school and four years of college, where there is evidence that: (1) the characteristics of the child indicate that he or she will benefit from college; (2) the child demonstrates the ability to do well, or at least make satisfactory grades; (3) the child cannot otherwise go to school; and (4) the parent has the financial ability to help pay for such an education). West v. West, 309 S.C. 28, 419 S.E.2d 804 (Ct. App. 1992).

In South Carolina, if the child is not attending college, the obligation to pay child support continues until 18 years of age or until married, self-supporting, or otherwise emancipated. Child support can continue past 18 if the child is enrolled and still attending high school, but not beyond high school graduation or the end of the school year after the child reaches 19, whichever is later. S.C. Code Ann. §63-3-530(17).

Does Child Support Continue During College in South Dakota?

In South Dakota, no law requires a parent to continue paying child support while their child is in college. 

In South Dakota, the obligation to pay child support continues until the child turns 18 years of age. If the child is still in high school or vocational school when they turn 18, the obligation to pay child support continues until the child graduates or turns 19 years old, whichever comes first.S.D. Codified Laws Ann. §25-5-18.1.

In South Dakota, child support payments can continue past the age of majority to pay for college expenses, but only if the parents put the terms of the agreement into their divorce settlement and a judge incorporates the terms into the divorce order.

Does Child Support Continue During College in Tennessee? 

In Tennessee, no law requires a parent to continue paying child support while their child is in college. 

In Tennessee, the obligation to pay child support continues until the child turns 18 years of age. If the child is still in high school or vocational school when they turn 18, the obligation to pay child support continues until the end of the school year after the child turns 18. Tenn. Code Ann. §34-1-102.

If parents agree in their divorce settlement agreement that child support shall continue while the child is in college, the court in Tennessee will enforce the agreement. Nash v. Mulle, 846 S.W.2d 803 (Tenn. 1993)

Does Child Support Continue During College in Texas? 

In Texas, no law requires a parent to continue paying child support while their child is in college. 

In Texas, the obligation to pay child support ends at age 18, marriage, or until graduation from high school, whichever occurs later. Tex. Family Code Ann. §101.003; Tex. Family Code Ann. §154.001. There is no obligation to pay child support for college in Texas. 

In Texas, child support payments can continue past the age of majority to pay for college expenses, but only if the parents put the terms of the agreement into their divorce settlement and a judge incorporates the terms into the divorce order.

Does Child Support Continue During College in Utah? 

In Utah, no law requires a parent to continue paying child support while their child is in college. 

In Utah, the obligation to pay child support ends when the child turns age 18, gets married, becomes emancipated, joins the armed forces, or “normal and expected graduation from high school,” whichever occurs later. Utah Code Ann. §78B-12-219.

In Utah, child support payments can continue past the age of majority to pay for college expenses, but only if the parents put the terms of the agreement into their divorce settlement and a judge incorporates the terms into the divorce order.

Does Child Support Continue During College in Vermont? 

Vermont’s statutes can require the payment of child support while the child is attending college.

In Vermont, the obligation to pay child support normally ends at age 18. However, child support can be extended to age 21 if the child regularly attends school, college, university, or vocational/technical training. Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 1, §173; Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 15, §201.

Does Child Support Continue During College in Virginia?

In Virginia, no law requires a parent to continue paying child support while their child is in college. 

In Virginia, the obligation to pay child support continues until the child turns 18 years of age. If the child is still in high school or vocational school when they turn 18, the obligation to pay child support continues until the child turns age 19 or graduates from high school, whichever comes first. Va. Code §16.1-228; Va. Code § 20-60.3.

If parents agree in their divorce settlement agreement that child support shall continue while the child is in college, the court in Virginia will enforce the agreement. Va. Code § 20-124.2.

Does Child Support Continue During College in Washington?

Washington’s statutes can require the payment of child support while the child is attending college.

 In Washington, the obligation to pay child support typically ends at age 18, but child support may extend beyond 18 if the child remains dependent on his/her parents for support. Wash. Rev. Code § 26.19.090

Washington’s law allows a court, in its discretion and according to enumerated factors, to order the payment of child support for college education expenses. 

When deciding to order child support for college expenses, the court will consider the following: (a) the age of the child; (b) the Child’s needs; (c) the parent’s expectations for their children when they were together; (d) the child’s prospects, desires, aptitudes, abilities or disabilities; (e) the nature of the postsecondary education sought; and (f) the parents’ level of education, the standard of living, and resources. 

Does Child Support Continue During College in West Virginia? 

West Virginia’s statutes can require the payment of child support while the child is attending college.

In West Virginia, the obligation to pay child support normally ends at age 18 but may continue past age 18 if the child is unmarried, residing with a parent, and a full-time student in a secondary education or vocational program making substantial progress towards a diploma. W. Va. Code §48-11-103.

If parents agree in their divorce settlement agreement that child support shall continue while the child is in college, the court in Virginia will enforce the agreement. Va. Code § 20-124.2.

Does Child Support Continue During College in Wisconsin? 

In Wisconsin, no law requires a parent to continue paying child support while their child is in college. 

In Wisconsin, the obligation to pay child support continues until the child turns 18 years of age. If the child is still in high school or vocational school when they turn 18, the obligation to pay child support continues until the child graduates or turns 19 years old, whichever comes first.Wis. Stat. §54.01(20); Wis. ST 767.511

If parents agree in their divorce settlement agreement that child support shall continue while the child is in college, the court in Virginia will enforce the agreement.

Does Child Support Continue During College in Wyoming?

In Wyoming, no law requires a parent to continue paying child support while their child is in college. 

 In Wyoming, the obligation to pay child support ends at age 18 but may be extended to age 20 if the child is attending high school or an equivalent program full-time. Wyo. Stat. §14-1-101; §14-2-204.

If parents agree in their divorce settlement agreement that child support shall continue while the child is in college, the court in Virginia will enforce the agreement.

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Tim

Tim McDuffey is a practicing attorney in the State of Missouri. Tim is a licensed member of the Missouri Bar and Missouri Bar Association.

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