ok, it is great that a child be able to make a decision to live with the other parent. However I think it is morally wrong when the custodial parent raises a child, no help from the other parent and does all the hard work, the doctors, school, tutoring, raising the child from the baby stage and getting them on with their life and then when the child is 13 the non custodial parent tells the child he can live with dad and there is nothing mom can do about it. I did all the work and there is still more to be done, this child is ADHD and requires full focus for his education and the other parent is all about fun, I am fighting and told the father I will give up everything I own for him not to get custody.
the only reason why he wants custody because he wants me to pay him child support and he is not willing to pay me child support and help with the best outcome for this child's life. people like this definitely should not be allowed to have custody. My child is treated very well and has excellent manners as well as an honor roll student. If the court does grant custody this child could end up on the wrong road or even drugs, etc.-At this point children should not be able to make the decision. It should be the best scenario for the child and the best caregiver.
Sep 23, 2009 Rating
It's up to a judge. by: Anonymous
Each State has a different age for when child support stops. I've asked the same question. I'm dealing with two states Alaska and California. I have a Autistic child, she will never be able to be on her own, maybe in her late 20's or 30's. I've been told it doesn't matter, in California it's 18 however, my order is in Alaska where she was born and ex-husband still resides. There it's 19 to 20. However, you can go to court and be heard why you feel that support should continue after 18, however this needs to be done before the child turn 18 a year or more. If not no one will hear your case. Then it's up to the judge who hears the case!
Sep 12, 2009 Rating
Just want some questions... by: Anonymous
The age a child can make their own decisions may be different for different states. In Indiana, a child can decide which parent he wants to live with at the age of 14. so I would guess the child could also refuse visitation. Maybe you could go back and make other visitation arrangements, such as a week instead of a month, or a week at the beginning of the summer and a week at the end? Maybe your child just doesn't want to be away from friends for that long?
Sep 12, 2009 Rating
To Just want some questions answered by: Anonymous
Whether child support stops at 18 or 21 depends on the state. In Indiana, for example, a child is not emancipated until the age of 21, so child support continues until then.
If your divorce decree states that you claim the child/children on certain years (odd years, for example), it won't matter if you are behind on your support or not. You are still entitled to claim them unless there is a provision in the decree.
Jul 10, 2009 Rating
Here are some answers by: Myla
You need to go back & read your divorce decree. It should say if you continue to pay during college years in most situations you may pay for college tuition & fees but not child support after the child turns 18 unless they are still in high school which you would pay until they graduate, become self supporting or get married. If you don't have your divorce decree you can go to the county it was filed & get a copy. Also if the child comes to live with you for a year I would suggest going back to court & having it noted that you will have physical custody during this year & that you should not pay child support & then agree to have it revisited in a year to make sure if the child is still living with you. According to if you get to claim the child on your taxes it should state that also in your divorce decree. Good luck.
