Child support stops when the child turns 18 or is in school with the expectation of graduating before the age of 19. Therefore, it can extend past 18 and will end when the child graduates high school, if it’s before the age of 19.
In Florida, if your child is special needs and is not able to become a self-sustaining adult, then child support will last for the life of the child. It is critical that you recognize the special needs status of your child in the text of the final court order with a child support modification. If your child reaches the age of 18 and payments end, you cannot reopen the case for continued child support of your special needs child.
