Child support in Massachusetts generally continues until a child is considered legally emancipated. Emancipation does not depend on age alone. Instead, courts look at a combination of factors, including the child’s age, whether the child has graduated from high school, whether the child is pursuing further education, and whether the child remains financially dependent on a parent.
Under Massachusetts law, a child who is 18 years old, has graduated from high school, is financially independent, and no longer living with either parent is typically considered emancipated. When that occurs, a parent’s child support obligation may end.
However, many children remain dependent on a parent after high school. If a child has graduated but continues living with and relying primarily on one parent for financial support, the court may order child support to continue until the child reaches age 21.
Child support may continue even longer in certain circumstances. If a child between the ages of 21 and 23 is enrolled in an educational program, such as college or vocational training, and is still principally dependent on a parent, the court has discretion to order continued support.
When a child attends college, support does not always follow the standard Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines in the same way it does for younger children. Courts often look at the total cost of college, each parent’s financial ability to contribute, and how educational expenses are being shared. In many cases, the court may allocate tuition, housing, and other education-related costs between the parents rather than relying solely on a traditional child support calculation.
In summary, child support in Massachusetts may end at 18, may continue until 21 if the child remains dependent, and in some situations may extend up to age 23 if the child is pursuing higher education and still relies on parental support.
This informational blog post was provided by Cynthia Hanley, an experienced Massachusetts Divorce Attorney.
