Child support coverage generally ends when the child graduates from high school or turns 18, whichever happens later. In some cases, however, early termination of child support is appropriate, and that calls for assistance from a Seattle child support termination lawyer.

The experienced child support attorneys at Twyford Law Office have significant experience helping clients like you resolve their family law cases favorably. We handle a range of issues, including child support orders, modifications, and termination requests. 

The Child Support Termination Date

Many court-issued child support orders have a termination date upon which child support ends. Even when there is a termination date, however, the parent making the child support payments should ensure that their employer abides by the end date and stops the payments. In some cases, there is no termination date. In these instances, the parent attempting to end the child support payments must address the matter with the court.

There are also some cases where child support can be terminated due to certain relevant factors. This is another situation in which the parent who is attempting to terminate child support will need to address the matter with the court.

Regardless of the reason for terminating child support, the matter is legally challenging, and you may well be wondering, “Where can I find an experienced Seattle child support termination attorney near me?” If so, Twyford Law Office has child support lawyers fluent in Washington family law who are ready to help.

When Can You Seek Early Termination of Child Support?

There are some occasions when child support obligations might end before the covered child graduates from high school or turns 18.

The Child Marries

To enter a legal marriage in the State of Washington, both individuals must be at least 18 years old. If one of the participants is 18 but has not graduated from high school and is covered by a child support order, the marriage ends the child support obligation.

The Child Quits School

If the child who is covered by child support is at least 18 years old and quits school, it may impact their child support order. In such cases, termination of child support requires a court ruling.

The Child Joins the Military

Joining the military also affects child support. If the covered child joins the armed forces, their child support order can be terminated.

The Child Becomes Legally Emancipated

A child who is 16 or 17 years old in Washington can, under the right conditions, seek legal emancipation. This affords them the right to manage their own personal and financial affairs outside of parental interference. To be eligible, they must be able to fully support themself, have a suitable place to live, and demonstrate the maturity necessary to live an emancipated life. Emancipation can lead to child support termination.

The Child or the Paying Parent Dies

In the tragic event that the child covered by support dies, the support obligation should be terminated. The same is true if the parent paying child support passes.

The Court Orders Child Support Termination

Every termination of child support is based on the unique circumstances of the case in question. There are, therefore, some instances in which courts may terminate child support for reasons other than those listed.

Making the Child Support Termination Official

The termination of child support is generally not automatic. If there is no termination date set for your child support order, you will need to address the matter with the court, for which it is best to trust a skilled Seattle attorney to oversee the matter.

Contact a Seattle Attorney for Help Ending Child Support

If you have asked, “Where can I find a Seattle child support termination lawyer near me?” here is the answer. A respected child support attorney from Twyford Law Office is ideally prepared to advocate for an optimal case outcome on your behalf. We regularly address a variety of child support matters in court, so please do not hesitate to contact us online or give our firm a call today.