Could I Be Ordered to Pay Non-Minor Support in Illinois?

 Posted on September 17, 2024 in Child Support

Many Illinois parents currently paying child support wonder whether they must pay for a child's college education or continue paying child support after the child turns 18. In Illinois, this is known as non-minor support and can be court-ordered under certain circumstances.

Generally, child support ends when the child turns 18 and leaves high school, gets married, joins the military, or becomes emancipated. Sometimes, a parent's child support obligation can continue under non-minor support. A court will determine whether non-minor support is appropriate after hearing the issue and the arguments against the support by the paying parent.  

Having a Rolling Meadows, IL child support lawyer working on your behalf ensures the best possible outcome. When you have an advocate who understands Illinois child support laws and has extensive experience with virtually every family law situation imaginable, you can be secure in the knowledge that your interests will be protected.

Is Non-Minor Support in Illinois Common?

Non-minor support is not the norm in the state and is generally ordered when a child does not graduate from high school at the age of 18. This situation can trigger non-minor support since a child who is still in high school remains dependent on his or her parents. An extension of child support payments in this situation would ensure the child's basic needs are taken care of while he or she finishes high school. The child support payments would end upon the child's graduation.

Can Non-Minor Support Be Ordered for College Expenses?

Another common reason a non-minor support order may be issued is when a child attends college. Of course, the parent's financial resources are considered when ordering non-minor support, as are the child's educational, medical, developmental needs, and academic records.

Even though a child is no longer a minor, parents with the financial means may be required to pay for their child's college expenses, including tuition, books, room and board, and other living expenses. If a parent who has paid child support refuses to help his or her child attend college – even though he or she has the financial means – the other parent may ask the court to issue an order of non-minor support.  

If non-minor support is ordered so that a young adult may attend college, the paying parent may stop paying this support when:

• The young adult marries.
• The young adult falls to part-time student status.
• The young adult fails to maintain a "C" average.
• A bachelor's degree is earned.
• The young adult turns 23 (sometimes, this can be extended to 25).

Can Non-Minor Support Be Ordered for Medical Expenses or a Disability?

A child who requires serious medical care may trigger a non-minor support order from the court. This could include a child who has a disease like cancer and will require treatment for months or years, as well as a child with a disability. As an example, suppose a young man receives a serious brain injury while playing high school football. It is unrealistic to expect that one parent would be wholly financially responsible for the care and medical expenses of the child. The other parent could be ordered to continue paying child support to help care for his or her child for as long as necessary if the parent has the financial resources to do so.  

Contact an Arlington Heights, IL Child Support Attorney

Illinois courts take parental obligations toward their children seriously. If you have questions regarding non-minor support orders, it can be beneficial to speak to a Rolling Meadows, IL child support lawyer from Law Offices of Donald J. Cosley. Attorney Don Cosley personally handles all aspects of his cases; when you call with questions, you will speak directly to Don and will never be handed off to a paralegal or other member of the support team. Contact 847-253-3100 to schedule your free consultation.