When parents divorce, child support may be ordered to support the children of the marriage. A child support order will typically establish when the payer parent’s obligation to pay support ends. This is usually when a child turns 18 in the state of Illinois. If an order does not specify when the support ends, a payer must appeal to the court to have the order modified.
Sometimes a parent may be required to pay support after a child turns 18. For example, if a child is still in high school when they are 18 years old, the support may be extended until graduation or until the age of 19. If this is not addressed in the original child support order, the custodial parent may request an extension of the support from the court.
Child support may also be extended beyond the age of 18 if a child has a mental or physical disability, or in cases where the child attends college or trade school after graduating high school. In the latter scenario, the paying parent may be directed to pay for part or all of the higher education costs including tutition, room & board, transportation, medical and other expenses. Payments beyond the age of 18 such as these are made at the judge’s discretion.
If you have questions regarding Illinois child support or post divorce modifications, contact the Law Offices of Schlesinger & Strauss LLC for help at 847-680-4970.
