R&H Logo
Our daughter, aged 18, has moved out of her mother’s house in Colorado and is living on her own (grand junction)the mother is living 20min away in another town (palisade). Our daughter is working and self supporting. Do we have grounds to file to end child support?
Oct 23, 2024
Family Law
Close Menu IconThe information provided is for general information and does not form an attorney-client relationship. See our .
Bill HenryFounding Partner | 19 years of experience
Profile Picture of Attorney Bill Henry
Profile Picture of Attorney Bill Henry
Bill HenryFounding Partner 19 years of experience

In Colorado, child support generally continues until the child turns 19, but there are circumstances under which support can end earlier, including emancipation. Based on the information you've provided, your 18-year-old daughter is working, self-supporting, and living on her own, which may indicate that she is emancipated. Courts consider several factors when determining emancipation, such as:

  • The child's financial independence

  • Whether the child is living independently from their parents

  • Whether the child’s new lifestyle is incompatible with the idea that they are still part of the parents' household (In re Marriage of Weisbart, 39 Colo. App. 115, 564 P.2d 961 (1977)).

However, Colorado courts have also ruled that emancipation is not solely based on living arrangements or employment status. In cases like Baker v. Baker, the court found that a child working part-time and living away from home was not emancipated because they were still financially dependent on their parents while attending school.

In your case, since your daughter is 18 and appears to be financially independent, it’s possible that she may be considered emancipated, which could be grounds to end child support. However, since Colorado’s child support generally ends at 19, it may not be worth the time or financial investment to pursue this now unless there are compelling reasons to do so.

For more information on emancipation "Ending Child Support Before Age 19 in Colorado."

Disclaimer
The response provided is based on the available information and is not intended to constitute a comprehensive answer to the inquiry. The only manner to obtain complete and adequate legal advice is to consult with an attorney. Please be advised that no communication, including Q&A postings, through this website establishes an attorney-client privilege, and such exchanges do not create an attorney-client relationship and will not be treated as confidential. The information presented is general information only and should not be relied upon to take, or fail to take, legal action.
Didn’t find what you were looking for?