Divorce is a difficult decision for a parent to make. Though you could have stayed together for the sake of the kids, you know that it would not have really contributed to their well-being. You would rather live separately and happily than have both parents under one roof fighting constantly. Still, you may have concerns about what divorcing with kids will mean for child support and your ability to provide for your family in the future.
What is your custody arrangement?
When the court works to determine child support, many factors go into the decision. For example, your child custody arrangement will have an effect on the amount of support a parent pays. If you have sole custody of the kids and the other parent only has visitation rights, it is likely that you will receive support from the noncustodial parent in the amount the court deems appropriate. However, if you have a joint custody arrangement, a joint custody child support calculation may be used.
How long does support last?
Though many parents are happy to support their children financially even when they hit a rough spot during adulthood, it is common to want to know when court-ordered child support payments come to an end. Payment obligations typically stop under the following circumstances:
- Once your child reaches the legal age of adulthood, which is 19 in Nebraska
- If the court emancipates your child, meaning that it deems him or her self-supporting
- If your child joins the military in an active-duty capacity
- If someone else adopts your child, such as a step-parent, and your parental rights come to an end
- If your child marries
Of course, exceptions to these circumstances do exists. For instance, if you have a child with special needs, it is possible that support obligations would continue even after he or she reaches adulthood. Because you want the best for your children and do not want them to go without anything due to financial issues, you may want to discuss child support matters with a family law attorney to determine how the laws and your circumstances may affect your case.
