Child support for highschool dropout

[amberlea434]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? TN

Hey guys. Sorry if I'm asking a question that's been answered a bajillion times, but I can't seem to find the answer for my state.

I'm asking for my MIL who has an 18yo stepson. Kiddo is still in highschool, but is talking about dropping out. His mom is okay with it and he will still be living at home with her afterwards. TN Statute states that child support is terminated after child turns 18 or GRADUATES highschool, it doesn't specify dropping out of highschool. What is protocol for child support in this type of situation? Are they required to keep paying if he drops out? Thanks!

 

[mistoffolees]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? TN

Hey guys. Sorry if I'm asking a question that's been answered a bajillion times, but I can't seem to find the answer for my state.

I'm asking for my MIL who has an 18yo stepson. Kiddo is still in highschool, but is talking about dropping out. His mom is okay with it and he will still be living at home with her afterwards. TN Statute states that child support is terminated after child turns 18 or GRADUATES highschool, it doesn't specify dropping out of highschool. What is protocol for child support in this type of situation? Are they required to keep paying if he drops out? Thanks!

Look up the rules. In TN, CS continues until the child is 18. IF the child is in high school, it can go until graduation or age 19, whichever comes first. So Mom is not entitled to support and Dad can file to have it stopped.

 

[amberlea434]

I really did try to find the rules for TN online before I posted this, and I read through the TN Statutes over and over. It just specifies child support termination for age and graduation, not dropping out. So, since kiddo is 18 and drops out of high school, dad is no longer obligated to pay support? Could mom try to get child support for longer since kiddo is still living at home and doesn't have a job? Thanks for the help!

 

[Gracie3787]

I really did try to find the rules for TN online before I posted this, and I read through the TN Statutes over and over. It just specifies child support termination for age and graduation, not dropping out. So, since kiddo is 18 and drops out of high school, dad is no longer obligated to pay support? Could mom try to get child support for longer since kiddo is still living at home and doesn't have a job? Thanks for the help!

If the 18 yr old drops out Dad will need to file a motion with the court requesting that the CS be stopped.
He should be prepared though for the possibility of 18 yr old re-enrolling as soon as he files.

 

[mistoffolees]

I really did try to find the rules for TN online before I posted this, and I read through the TN Statutes over and over. It just specifies child support termination for age and graduation, not dropping out. So, since kiddo is 18 and drops out of high school, dad is no longer obligated to pay support? Could mom try to get child support for longer since kiddo is still living at home and doesn't have a job? Thanks for the help!

Read it more carefully. TN says that child support ends at 18 unless the child is in high school.

If Dad files to have it stopped, it will stop - unless child goes back to school as Gracie suggests. Sounds like a win-win. Either way, something good comes of filing.

 

[amberlea434]

Ah. I gotcha! Thanks everyone, I appreciate it.