Petition To Terminate Child Support In Pennsylvania
Child support ensures the needs of children are met following a parental separation or divorce. However, there may come a time when it becomes unnecessary. Filing a petition to terminate child support is the legal pathway to end these obligations.
Understanding the process of ending child support is crucial for parents and their children. At Coover & Associates, our attorneys can offer knowledgeable guidance with child support terminations. We provide experienced family law services in York, Camp Hill, Carlisle and Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.
When Does Child Support End In Pennsylvania?
Typically, there is no way of stopping child support until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. However, there are certain exceptions:
- Emancipation: If a child becomes self-supporting before 18, through marriage, military enlistment or court-declared emancipation, child support may be terminated early.
- Special needs: For children with physical or mental disabilities that prevent self-sufficiency, support may extend beyond 18.
Our attorneys can provide tailored advice on child support termination based on your unique circumstances.
How To Terminate Child Support In Pennsylvania
Terminating a Pennsylvania child support order usually involves these steps:
- File the petition: Submit a “Petition for Modification or Termination of an Existing Support Order” with your county’s Domestic Relations Office.
- Provide supporting evidence: Include documentation proving the child has reached the age of majority, graduated or meets other termination criteria.
Until the termination has been approved, the paying parent must continue to meet their obligations.
Can The Custodial Parent Terminate Child Support?
The custodial parent can agree to terminate child support, which involves a formal legal process. Both parents must file a joint petition to modify or terminate the support order.
It is important to consider these and other factors before terminating child support in Pennsylvania:
- Arrears: Any unpaid child support remains due even after termination
- Multiple children: If supporting multiple children, ending support for one child does not affect obligations for others
Failure to adhere to these obligations can result in further legal complications.
Contact Us Today To Protect Your Rights
Our lawyers have a deep understanding of Pennsylvania family law and know how child support orders work. Contact us today at 717-461-7789 or fill out our online contact form to discuss your options with a tireless advocate – we serve those in York, Camp Hill, Carlisle and Chambersburg.