The age of emancipation is one of the most misunderstood topics in Indiana child support law among parents. After children are emancipated, child support stops. When exactly does child support stop? Some believe that emancipation is triggered when a child turns 18 years old (which is common in many other states). Others believe emancipation is triggered when a child turns 19 years old (which is the current Indiana law), while some still assume that the age of emancipation is when a child turns 21 years old (which is the prior Indiana law).

Since July 1, 2012, Indiana children are emancipated in regards to child support when they turn 19.

Before July 1, 2012, children were emancipated at the age of 21. Now, if you are a parent who pays child support, you may file a motion with the court to stop your child support payment after your child turns 19 years old. No matter whether you have one child or multiple children for whom you are paying child support, you can file a motion on behalf of all of your children that are over 19 years old. (more…)