THOUGHT OF THE WEEK Until what age am I required to pay maintenance for my child?

A parent’s duty to support a child does not cease when the child reaches a particular age but it usually does so when the child becomes self-supporting. Majority (18) is not the determining factor.

At common law, both divorced parents have a duty to maintain their child post-divorce. The extent of this duty in respect of each parent depends upon their relative means and the needs of the child from time to time. The duty does not terminate when the child reaches a particular age but continues after majority.

Once self-supporting, the duty of support revives if a child ceases to be self-supporting for reasons such as ill-health or disability.

Contact our Family Law Department for more information.