Child Support After Your Child Turns 18

 Posted on September 26, 2025 in Child Support

For many Michigan parents, child support is one of the most important parts of a divorce or custody case. When a child is nearly 18, questions come up: Does support end automatically? Are there circumstances where it goes on? What if the child is still in high school or has special needs?

The short answer is that in Michigan, child support does not necessarily stop the moment a child turns 18. State law recognizes that children may still need financial support while finishing their education or in other special circumstances. Since the Michigan child support formula is regularly updated, parents need to understand their rights and obligations. Our Northville child support attorneys have nearly 25 years of local experience and can help you navigate these issues.

When Does Child Support End in Michigan?

Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) 552.605b says that a parent’s duty to pay child support usually continues until a child reaches 18. However, there are important exceptions. Support may continue past 18 if:

• The child is still enrolled full-time in high school with a reasonable expectation of graduating before turning 19 and a half.

• The child has a disability that requires ongoing support and care.

In those cases, the court may order payments to continue beyond the child’s 18th birthday. This means that in Michigan, a parent cannot simply stop paying child support when their child becomes a legal adult if those conditions still apply.

Adult Child Support for Children Still in High School

Many Michigan students turn 18 during their senior year of high school. State law recognizes that financial support is still necessary until graduation. Under MCL 552.605b, support can extend until the child finishes high school or until the child turns 19 years and six months, whichever comes first. This extension only applies if the child is going to high school full time and will graduate before turning 19 and a half. If either of these conditions is not met — for example, if the child drops out or is no longer enrolled full time — the extension may not apply.

Do Michigan Parents Have to Pay College or Trade School Expenses?

Parents often ask whether they will have to continue paying support while their child attends college. Michigan law does not automatically require parents to pay support once a child finishes high school. That means the court cannot force one parent to pay for college tuition, room and board, or other higher education costs.

However, parents may agree to share college costs in a divorce settlement or custody agreement. Once that agreement is part of a court order, it becomes enforceable. In other words, even though Michigan courts cannot make parents pay for college, courts can enforce an agreement between the parents to do so.

Special Needs and Extended Child Support in Michigan

Another situation where child support may extend beyond 18 is when the child has significant special needs. If a child is unable to support themselves due to a mental or physical disability, the court may order continued financial support. These cases are highly fact-specific and may need medical proof. Local courts may look at medical evidence, whether the child could live on their own, and the resources of both parents. Then, courts will decide whether extended support is appropriate.

Changing or Ending Child Support Orders in Michigan

If a child turns 18 and graduates from high school, child support usually ends automatically under the law. However, to avoid confusion, first confirm this with the Friend of the Court (FOC).

Parents may also request a modification if circumstances change. Examples include:

• The child drops out of school before turning 18.

• The child becomes legally emancipated.

• The child is living independently and supporting themselves.

Filing for a modification through the FOC or the court ensures there are no misunderstandings or enforcement actions for unpaid support that is no longer required.

How to Get Unpaid Child Support for an Adult Child

Even after a child turns 18, unpaid child support still has to be paid. The age of the child does not erase back payments, called "arrears." In Michigan, child support arrears can be enforced through wage garnishment, tax refund intercepts, and even contempt of court.

This means that parents who owe unpaid support must continue to pay, even if the support has technically ended. Courts do enforce past-due support obligations, and not paying can lead to serious consequences.

Common Misunderstandings About Michigan Child Support After 18

Because Michigan’s rules are complex, there are several common misconceptions. For example, many parents believe child support always ends at 18. In reality, it may continue until high school graduation or age 19 and one-half.

Likewise, some people assume that child support automatically extends through college. That is not true unless both parents agreed about this in writing. Others believe they can stop paying once their child is legally an adult. Unless the court order has terminated, payments must continue.

Understanding these details helps parents avoid costly enforcement actions or disputes.

Practical Tips for Parents before They Stop Paying Child Support

As your child approaches the age of 18, it is important to take steps that protect both you and your child while following Michigan law. One of the first things you should do is review your current support order to confirm the exact end date. Having a clear understanding of when your obligation ends helps you avoid paying too much or too little.

You should also stay in communication with your child’s school. Because support can continue until age 19 and a half if your child is still in high school, these details are important. Keep proof that your child is still in high school just in case the other parent disputes this.

If your child has special needs, get together medical and financial records early to support any request for extended child support. Courts require substantial documentation before ordering support beyond age 18. Preparing in advance can make the process smoother.

Finally, before stopping payments, contact the Friend of the Court. Taking these steps helps prevent misunderstandings and reduces the risk of legal conflicts.

Contact a Northville, MI Child Support Lawyer

Trying to understand what happens with child support after your child turns 18 can be stressful, but you do not need to figure it all out on your own. If you live in Michigan, call an Oakland County child support attorney at Elkouri Heath, PLC today. With nearly 25 years of experience and free consultations, our team can explain your rights, help modify or enforce orders, and make sure you and your child are protected. Call us at 248-344-9700 to schedule your free consultation.