When can you stop paying child support?

As a parent, you want to do what’s best for your child. You also want to be sure that you protect your own finances.

While you think it’s reasonable to pay child support, you also want to be sure that it’s being used to support your child’s needs and that it is ended as soon as it is no longer required. You want to be sure that you have enough money to support yourself after paying, too.

When does child support end?

There are times when you may be able to end your support obligations. Generally speaking, child support may continue until your child is 19 or completes high school, depending on the agreement you have with your ex-spouse. The age of 19 is when your child is considered emancipated in Colorado.

Support doesn’t necessarily end automatically. You may need to go to court to petition to end support unless there is an ending date in your court order.

Can you end support if you lose your job?

Even with job loss, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to end your support obligations. Instead, the court will look at how much money would be reasonable in your circumstances. For a single child, the minimum a person would ever pay is $10 per month. That amount is only if they earn an income between $0 and $650. Above that and up to $1,500 a month in earnings, the parent should pay a minimum of $50.

The state child support guidelines can help you determine what you owe and when your support obligations end.