Child Support and Legal Adulthood – How Long Must You Pay and How to Terminate It?

Child Support After Turning 18 – What Changes?

When a child reaches legal adulthood, the way child support is paid changes. While the child was still a minor, they were represented by a legal guardian—usually the other parent. The court would order child support payments “for the benefit of the minor child, payable to the mother/father.”

After turning 18, the child gains full legal capacity and can manage their own financial matters. From that point on, child support should be paid directly to the adult child, not to the parent who previously represented them.

 

Do I Need to Change the Court Order?

No. The child becoming an adult does not require any formal actions or modifications to the court judgment. Payments can simply be redirected to the adult child, without needing to file any motion or get approval from the other parent.

However, to avoid misunderstandings, it’s a good idea to discuss the new payment arrangement with both the child and the other parent.

This position was confirmed by the Polish Supreme Court in a resolution dated April 16, 1977 (case no. III CZP 14/77), which states that after reaching the age of majority, child support should be paid directly to the child, and presenting an identity document is sufficient to confirm their right to receive the payments.

 

When Does the Child Support Obligation End?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions by parents. The law does not specify a particular age at which the child support obligation ends. It depends entirely on the individual situation of the child—their education, ability to earn income, and health condition.

1. The child has completed education and has a stable income

If the child has finished their education and is working in a way that allows them to support themselves, the support obligation ends. Parents are not required to support adults who can live independently.

2. The child quits school or avoids work

The court may terminate the obligation if the adult child is unwilling to study or neglects their education—e.g. repeating a year, dropping out of university without good reason. Parents are not required to support adults who intentionally waste their educational opportunities.

3. The child works but earns too little

Sometimes an adult child works but does not earn enough to cover all living costs—especially if they are still in full-time education. In such cases, the court may reduce the amount of support rather than eliminate it entirely.

4. The child continues their education

If the child continues studying after turning 18 (e.g. in high school, full-time university, or a post-secondary school), the parent is still required to support them. Courts typically consider students to be financially dependent until they finish their education.

5. The child has a disability

If the child has a medical condition that prevents them from working, the support obligation may last indefinitely, even for life. In such special cases, legal adulthood is not a factor.

 

Can I Stop Paying Child Support After Age 18?

No, not on your own. Even if you believe your child is financially independent, you must file a lawsuit in court to have the obligation terminated.

The court will consider each case individually—reviewing the child’s income, educational status, and actual ability to support themselves. Only a final court judgment can release you from further payments.

Stopping payments on your own can lead to arrears and debt collection, including court enforcement by a bailiff.

 

Does the Type of Education Matter?

Yes. The structure of the child’s education plays a big role in determining their level of independence.

• Full-time (day) studies – The child typically cannot work, so the support obligation usually continues until they finish their education.
• Part-time or evening studies – These assume the student can work alongside school. The court may decide the child is partially or fully self-sufficient.

 

How to Change the Amount of Child Support After 18?

After turning 18, the child can personally request the court to increase or decrease child support if their financial situation or needs change. Likewise, the parent may file to terminate or adjust the amount if they believe the child is now independent or if the parent’s financial situation has worsened.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Child Support After 18

Can I pay child support directly to my child if the other parent disagrees?
Yes. Once the child turns 18, you have the right to pay them directly. No consent from the other parent is needed.

Does child support end after university?
Usually, yes—unless the child continues studying further or cannot work due to health issues.

Can a child waive their right to child support?
Yes. An adult child can submit a declaration waiving their right to receive further support.

 

Summary

A child turning 18 does not automatically end the obligation to pay child support. The parent must continue payments until the child is financially independent—typically when they finish education or find stable employment.

After age 18, payments should be made directly to the child, not to the other parent. If you want to end the obligation, you must file a lawsuit to do so.

 

Keep in mind that each case is different. Before stopping child support payments, it’s strongly recommended to consult a lawyer.