In Florida, child support is usually terminated when a child reaches the age of 18. However, there are a couple of exceptions for children who have special needs, as well as children who have not yet graduated high school. 


An exception exists in Florida for the custodial parent of a child with special needs. If your child has special needs and will never be able to support himself or herself, Florida will not terminate child support. Child support will be ordered to last for the rest of the child's life under these circumstances, if the custodial parent requests it.


To get a child support order that will last for the rest of the child's life, several legal requirements must be met. A Court order must recognize the child's special needs, whether it is a first-time order or a subsequent amendment. It's vital to remember that before the child turns 18, you must obtain a court order recognizing the child's special needs or handicap status. If you do not request that child support be continued before the child turns 18, you will lose your right to reopen the case and seek additional child support.


Another exception in Florida is when a child of legal age has not completed high school. If the child has a reasonable expectation of graduating from high school before his or her 19th birthday, child support can be extended until the child graduates. If there is no reasonable prospect that the child will graduate before the age of 19, child support will be immediately terminated when the child reaches the age of 18.


Your right to collect child support that is still owing to you in the future will be preserved if you consult with a legal professional. A Miami family law attorney will ensure that a court order is correctly issued.


If you owe child support or want to address a child support issue, contact a Miami family law lawyer at Rafool, PLLC.