How long will child support last?
Usually, a parent must pay support until a child turns 18. However, a judge can order a parent to continue paying support until the child is 20 years old if the child:
- is not married;
- attends high school full time;
- is making substantial progress towards a diploma; and
- lives with a parent, guardian, or custodian.1
Or, if the child is physically or mentally disabled and cannot support him/herself, child support payments could continue beyond age 18 without proving any of the above.2
1 W. Va. Code § 48-11-103(a)
2 W. Va. Code §§ 48-13-702(b)(1); 48-11-103(b)