Child Support

Generally, a child support obligation will continue until the child reaches the age of 18. However, if the child is a full-time student and not married or emancipated, the order can be extended until the child reaches 20 or graduates, whichever comes first.¹

A child who is over 18 but cannot support him or herself due to a physical or mental disability may qualify for continuing child support as a dependent adult child.² The law specifies that this support would be in addition to, not a replacement for, benefits and assistance that the child qualifies for from other sources.³ After the child turns 17 years and six months old, a petition for this type of ongoing support may be filed by:

• either parent;
• the child; 
• a custodian or guardian for the child; or
• the child’s agent who has a “durable power of attorney.”⁴

It is also possible to agree to this type of continuing support in a child support case that is filed when the child is younger. If you wish to do this for your child, you and the other parent must put your agreement in writing and submit it to the judge for approval before your child turns 18.⁵ Support for a dependent adult child must be paid to the child directly or to his/her court-appointed guardian advocate, guardian, or agent with a durable power of attorney. If a special needs trust has been established for the child, the support can also be paid into that trust.⁶

¹ O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15(e)
² O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15.1(a)
³ O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15.2(d)
⁴ O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15.1(b)
⁵ O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15.1(d)
⁶ O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15.1(e)