How long do I have to pay child support for?

In Texas, child support obligations typically end when the child turns 18 years old or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. However, if the child has a disability, child support may continue past the age of 18 as long as the child remains disabled and requires support. Additionally, if the child is still in high school when they turn 18, child support may continue until they graduate or turn 19, whichever occurs earlier. It's worth noting that child support obligations may also end if the child gets married, joins the military, or becomes emancipated.

What About College Tuition and Expenses?

Although some states do address a parent’s responsibility for a child’s college expenses after a divorce, Texas law does not. The only way in Texas a parent will have a legal obligation to pay for college expenses is if the parents address this issue during their divorce negotiations. Whatever agreement they come to will be included in the final decree.

Some of the points that should be addressed in the college expense agreement are:

• What percentage of tuition and expenses will each parent be responsible for?

• What – if any – is the cap for the total amount for which each parent will be responsible?

• Is there a limit on what the parent will pay for, such as private or public colleges or universities, as well as a limit on geographical distance and housing expenses?

Please contact Deitchle + Simone if you need more information or an attorney to represent you during your divorce or child custody case.