Understanding The Parents Option to Extend

Family law recognizes that many times parents will choose to extend their child support and continue to provide financial aid to their child after their child has become legally emancipated. This usually does not require any form of legal action; just the parents’ willingness to continue assisting their child. This often occurs when a child is enrolled in a college or a university.

Receiving a post-secondary education is a large financial burden. However, when this education is completed the child receives many more opportunities in life, such as better paying jobs. Many parents will choose to help their children with this financial burden, as they understand that it is difficult for a student to handle all of the education expenses on their own. Therefore, parents will choose to provide finances for school tuition, books, and living expenses such as housing and food.

If an individual is suffering from a physical injury or disability, a parent may choose to help their child pay for medical care. A parent may also choose to temporarily extend their child support if their child is unable to secure a job and is suffering financially. A court petition is not necessary in instances such as this because one or both parents are assisting the child out of their own will. Though the parent is legally absolved of their duty to provide support and care for their child, they may continue to do so because they want to help their child succeed in life.

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