Arizona law allows child support payments for students.
As part of a divorce or custody case, the court may order one or both parents to pay child support. In many states, child support payments will continue until the child reaches the "age of majority," or 18 years. However, if a child turns 18 while they are still in school, support payments may continue past the age of majority. In Arizona, there are statutes that explain the requirements for support payments to students.
Emancipation
Most child support orders will continue until a child reaches "emancipation," or freedom from parent. In Arizona, a child is emancipated when they get married, reach the age of majority, get adopted or die.
Qualifying Students
Child support may continue past the age of majority if the child is a student. However, only certain students are eligible for continuing support payments. If the child is actively attending high school or an equivalency program, the support payments may continue until they graduate or finish their program. Although support payments may continue while the child is attending school, they will end as soon as the child reaches the age of 19, whether or not they have graduated or finished their program. Students attending college do not qualify for continuing child support payments.
Automatic Payment Cancellation
Many child support orders will "automatically" end when the child reaches 18 years of age. However, if your child is still actively attending high school or an equivalency program, you may have to inform the court. In this circumstance, you must file a Motion to Modify Child Support to request that support payments continue. Your motion should include specific information about your child's birth date, the school or program she is attending and her expected date of graduation/completion. Forms for support modification are available at your court clerk's office or child support enforcement office.
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