The Big 1-8: Calling Time on Child Support in Georgia (But Maybe Not Quite Yet)
Congratulations! Your child has officially become an adult and is ready to, well, adult. You're probably doing a victory dance that would make Carlton Banks blush (look him up, youngsters). But amidst the celebratory high fives, a nagging thought might pop in your head: child support.
Fear not, fellow financially-strapped hero! There is a light at the end of the tunnel, but it might not be shaped exactly like a dollar sign (although, wouldn't that be nice?). Here's the deal with child support in Georgia when your pride and joy hits the big 1-8.
Tip: Focus on one point at a time.
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| How Do I Stop Child Support When My Child Turns 18 In Georgia |
So, Do I Just Stop Paying Automatically?
Nope! Buckle up, because this isn't a drive-thru situation. Child support doesn't magically disappear like a birthday cake after a sugar rush. You'll need to take some action to officially terminate it.
QuickTip: Skim first, then reread for depth.
Think of it like graduating from the School of Hard Knocks (Child Support Edition). There's a ceremony, maybe some paperwork, and a sigh of relief that could power a wind turbine.
Reminder: Take a short break if the post feels long.
Heading to Court: Don't Worry, It's Not Jury Duty
Okay, so maybe filing a motion to terminate child support isn't quite as exciting as winning the lottery, but it is important. The good news? This process is usually pretty straightforward. You can file the motion yourself or enlist the help of a lawyer.
QuickTip: Ask yourself what the author is trying to say.
Pro Tip: If you're going the solo route, be sure you have all your ducks in a row (that means having your paperwork organized).
But Wait, There's More! (Maybe)
While turning 18 is generally the time to say goodbye to child support payments, there are a few exceptions to consider:
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- High School Dropout? Hold on a Sec: If your child is still enrolled in high school past their 18th birthday, child support might continue until they graduate (up until age 20, max).
- College Bound? Maybe We Can Talk: In some cases, a judge might order child support to continue for post-secondary education. But this is on a case-by-case basis, so don't get your hopes up just yet.
Bottom Line: Always check your original child support agreement or consult with a lawyer if you're unsure about any exceptions that might apply.
"How To" FAQs for the Financially Savvy Parent:
How to File a Motion to Terminate Child Support? This can usually be done at your local courthouse. There might be forms available online or through the Georgia Department of Human Services.
How Much Does it Cost to File a Motion? Fees can vary, so check with your local court for details.
How Long Does it Take to Terminate Child Support? The timeframe can depend on the court's workload, but it generally takes a few weeks.
How Do I Know if Child Support Has Officially Ended? You'll receive a court order confirming the termination.
How Do I Celebrate When Child Support is Finally Over? This is entirely up to you! Maybe a fancy dinner (without the guilt of dipping into the "child support fund").
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