I have one child who is turning 18, but my other child is only 13. Can I start sending the correct amt?

Question

There is an Arkansas child support chart. And it should be very cut and dry. There shouldn't be any arguments from the ex-wife. I am current, and have been on my child support.

Answer 1

Wait for the court to tell you. Don't shoot yourself in the foot if you have been doing good thus far. Patience is a virtue when it comes to dealing with the courts.

Answer 2

Please hear my heart on this and understand but why do you have to do what the law says can't you take responsibility for your child and give a little more since you are the father you could go above and beyond like I don't know pay one extra year just to help out but not because the law said to do something.

Don't get me wrong I think there are many many mothers who had children on purpose and for the wrong reason but thank goodness we have a thing called grace that allows us to take pity on the wrong allowing others to choose to do right and go above/beyond.

Thanks for allowing me this opinion.

Answer 3

You need to check your state laws. Some states automatically stop child support at 18, others at 21. Some states allow you to keep getting child support until 22 and beyond as long as the child is in school, even if the school is college out of state. Another problem you are going to have is you may have to push DHS or whoever handles child support in your state. Sometimes, the child can be 19 or 20, out of the other parents home, working full time, and the other parent still collecting child support.

BTW. I have a suggestion. How about, since the child is 18, getting the child to come live with you now. That'll give you some time to take care of the child and spend time with them without worrying about taking care of your ex in the name of the child. If the child IS still in school, and will live with you, you can even petition the courts to collect child support from the other parent for a while.