How long do I have to pay child support?

In Virginia, child support is typically ordered until the child has reached the age of 18 or until the child completes high school, whichever is later. Even if the child turns 18 before completing high school, the parent paying child support may be ordered to continue support payments until the child graduates, but not longer than age 20. Child support payments may also be extended if the child is disabled, in which case payments would be made for an extended period of time and may even continue indefinitely. The court will review the disability to determine the exact length of time the child support payments will continue. In addition, parents who are ordered to pay child support may also be required to make additional payments for medical expenses and other related costs. This is especially true if the child has special needs, such as recurring expenses related to medical treatments or educational programs. In general, child support payments can last for several years and will end when the prevailing circumstances that prompted the court to order the payment, such as the age of the child or their disability, no longer apply.

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How long do I have to pay child support?

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