Also known as:child support orders · child-support order · child-support orders · order for child support
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
A judgment, decree, or order of a court or administrative agency requiring the payment of support for a child, including a child who has attained the age of majority under the law of the issuing state or foreign country.
Sources & Authorities
How it applies
Common Examples
2
Support Obligation After Majority
Cade Carpenter obtained a child support order in State A requiring monthly payments for his daughter. After she turned eighteen, the order remained in force under State A law. Cade continued making payments to satisfy the continuing obligation.
Interstate Enforcement Request
Corinne Cho secured a child support order in State B against the child's father. When the father relocated to State C, the State B tribunal issued a request asking the State C tribunal to enforce the existing order. State C proceeded to collect the support payments.
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Statutes
Uniform Acts
Restatements
Casebooks
Common questions
Frequently Asked
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Does a child support order cover children who have reached the age of majority?+
Yes. The definition expressly includes a child who has attained the age of majority under the law of the issuing state or foreign country, so the order may continue in effect after the child turns eighteen.
Supporting sources
Can the issuing state request enforcement of its child support order in another state?+
Yes. A tribunal that issued a child support order consistent with its own law may serve as an initiating tribunal and request a tribunal in another state to enforce the order when it remains the controlling order.
Supporting sources
What happens when multiple child support orders exist for the same obligor and child?+
A court applies statutory rules to determine which order receives recognition for continuing, exclusive jurisdiction and enforcement purposes.
…only, it codifies the law existing in 1957—when the parties’ agreement was made—insofar as it permits the upward modification of child support orders. In 1957 Civil Code section 139 provided: “That portion of the decree or judgment making any such allowance or allowances [for the support or maintenance of a spouse or child] may be…
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