Does my husband still have to pay child support to his daughter after she turns 18?

Joni: Does my husband still have to pay child support to his daughter after she turns 18?
My husband’s daughter is almost 18. She lives with her mother and she hasn’t even bothered to visit her father in the last 9 years. Her mother is a manipulative, indolent, and jealous woman. So, the girl is planning on going to Columbia University next year but she supposedly doesn’t qualify for financial aid. Does my husband have to pay for her studies? Does he have to keep paying child support? The mom is unemployed.

Answers and Views:

Answer by James
I seriously doubt it, because going to university is a privilege, not a right.

Answer by Boomn4x4
No, he dosen’t have to pay for her.

Answer by Daniel
It would be the “nice” thing for him to do, but, he doesn’t have to. Legally, at age 18, she is no longer considered a minor, and must “fend for herself.” Therefore, he doesn’t have to pay child support any longer. You may want to double check, just to be sure for where you live. I know this is the case in Pennsylvania.

Answer by mari2008
The mom could take him to court and petition for college money.

Answer by None Of your Business
NOOO!! When you are 18 years or older, you are then considered an adult! She is responible for herself now. Shes not longer mommies little girl or daddies litttle girl. She is on her own. Hope this helps!

Answer by Jennifer Power
I don’t think he has to pay for her studies. She would not be a child anymore at eighteen. She would be considered an adult and not dependent on others. Still, you should check with a lawyer to be on the safe side.

And if her mother is unemployed she should qualify for financial aid, unless she has a salary which would suggest otherwise. I suggest checking with the university by phone or email to see what they say about it.

Answer by Yvonne
He needs to pay for college but he doesnt need to pay child support to her mom because his daughter can get a job and support herself also he should talk to her about not visiting or speaking to him after all he is her dad and paying for college she should speak to him….why wouldnt she qualify for financial aid she has no income she should get it.

Answer by mike,e
If the mom is unemployed she should have used her info on fasfa to get FREE money. you hasband doesn’t have to pay if they agreed on 18 or the end of high school (if that is later than the child’s b-day) as the cut off when they went to court. But if they did agree on 18 as the date he should not support her studies, why should he? its not like she ever wanted a relationship regardless of how the mom was. My dad went through the same thing but i left my mom to live with my dad at 14 i am 18 now and its purdy chill and i go to college.

Answer by jamie
I have a best friend who’s husband pays child support for his daughter who is 10. She has told me when she turns 18 he no longer has to pay child support. and even if he never sees her he will still have to pay until then which is ridiculous to me. It would be nice of him to help but in your situation I personally wouldn’t. Only because he hasn’t seen her for whatever reason in 9 years. I guess it would depend on the reason for that also, but I can see why you wouldn’t want to. Good luck with whatever you decide!

Answer by Precious Gem
Legally the child support stops at age 18. If he is so inclined though since she is his
child he can help put her through college. She can try talking with a college adviser and find out her options.

Answer by My 2 cents
In general the answer is NO. There may be extenuating circumstances in lieu of a prior arrangement through custody agreements or state law. Try the website link or call a Family Law Lawyer and get your answer. It is important to get the right answer. You do not want him to be settled with arrears and possible penalties or suits for back pay.

Good luck

Answer by beenthere
Get out the order of divorce. What does it say about his paying for college?

It is kind of hard to believe she does not qualify for any financial aid.

Answer by Mortified Penguin
no she doesnt. ones the child is 18 theres no more child support payments.