Financially Supporting Children After High School
Allison Gerli • April 1, 2021
In Missouri under present law, child support continues past high school until the age of 21, as long as the child attends college or a vocational school. In addition, parents can also be obligated to pay college expenses until the age of 21.
Pursuant to Section 452.340.5 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, in order for child support to remain in place and for parents to be responsible for college costs, the following requirements must be met:
- Hours Requirement. Child must enroll at minimum 12 credit hours per semester, not including summer. However, if the child is working at least 15 hours per week during the semester then the requirement that the child be enrolled in 12 credit hours is reduced to nine credit hours.
- Grades Requirement. Child must successfully complete the required number of credit hours, meaning no failing grades in at least 12 hours per semester.
- No Time Off Requirement. Generally, the child must enroll by October 1 following the child’s graduation from high school. This means that if the child takes a semester off before starting college, typically the child support obligation would terminate and could not be reinstated if the child enrolls in college after that point, even if the child is under age 21 when the child enrolls. In addition, the child must be continuously enrolled in school, meaning that child support would terminate and could not be reinstated if the child takes a semester off.
- Document Exchange Requirement. The child must provide transcripts or similar official document to both parents at the beginning of each semester, detailing the child’s enrollment in classes and grades.
The law does provide for exceptions to the grades requirement above, which include, but are not limited to, a physical disability or other diagnosed health problems. The court will also consider other circumstances that may justify a delay in starting school by October 1 after graduation or require a child to take a semester off.
If a child fails to meet the requirements above, the parent paying child support will need to file an Affidavit of Termination of Child Support with the court in order to stop an income withholding order/garnishment that may be in place. Without the consent of the other parent, a copy of the Affidavit will need to be served on the other parent and there will a hearing before the court.
If the child is enrolled in an institution and meeting the requirements above, there is another option under the law that some parents may consider—the parent paying child support or the child may petition the court to have child support payments paid directly to the child instead of paying the other parent.
While the court after a trial may only obligate parents to pay support and college expenses until a child reaches age 21, many parents agree as part of their divorce to pay for expenses past age 21 and these agreements are included as part of the divorce judgment.
We have handled a lot of expensive litigation related to college expenses and post high school support. Consultation in advance may save significant fees. In addition, if you want the other parent to have to continue to pay child support, you must be sure to follow the procedure. You do not want to lose both in attorney’s fees and lost support payments. Please contact the firm if you wish to schedule a consultation.
We are proud to share that Ann Bauer will be honored at the 27th Annual Women's Justice Awards on April 10, 2025, as one of this year's recipients in the "Mentor" category. This award celebrates experienced legal professionals who have played an important role in guiding and supporting the next generation of attorneys. Ann’s journey in family law began with co-founding her first firm in 2009, eventually leading to the establishment of The Center for Family Law in 2013. What began as a small practice has grown into a dynamic firm with a team of attorneys and staff dedicated exclusively to family law. Ann has been the heart of this growth—leading with purpose, mentoring with compassion, and consistently advocating for positive change. Ann's unwavering commitment to transforming how families navigate legal separation has helped shift the focus from adversarial litigation to a more compassionate approach to resolution, especially within the collaborative divorce process and in mediation. Her philosophy and approach to family law continue to influence and guide a new generation of legal professionals and practitioners she has mentored throughout her career. Whether she's mentoring within the firm or taking the time to speak with a law student, Ann is always generous with her time, wisdom, and support. She also shares her expertise through active service on numerous committees dedicated to family law and domestic violence. Please join us in congratulating Ann on this well-deserved honor. We are grateful for her vision and proud to continue building on the foundation she helped establish at The Center for Family Law.
The Center for Family Law is excited to announce the start of its fourth year hosting the Second Saturday Divorce Workshops, providing valuable support and guidance to individuals navigating the divorce process.
The holiday season can be a balancing act for all parents, but it can be especially challenging for divorced parents who need to coordinate plans with a former spouse and navigate interactions with new partners. While some stress is to be expected, with careful planning, flexibility, and the right mindset, you can make the holidays smoother for everyone. Here are a few tips to help you manage. Prioritizing the Children. The holidays are a time for children, and their well-being should be the focus of the schedule. Whether it's your first holiday post-divorce or you have had a few years to adjust, there are simple steps you can take to make the season easier for them. Create a Joint Plan. Collaborate with your ex to ensure the children can spend time with both of you without feeling torn. A clear, shared plan helps avoid confusion and conflict. This might involve splitting the day between both households or longer periods of time with each parent to allow for out-of-town travel to visit relatives. It is important that parents are on the same page on what schedule will be followed and that is communicated to the children as a joint plan. Balance Traditions with Flexibility. It is natural to want to keep cherished family traditions, but flexibility is key. Discuss with your co-parent which traditions are most important and find a realistic way to divide them. This ensures that the kids do not feel pressured to choose between one tradition or family, allowing them to enjoy special moments with both sides. Create New Traditions. This is an opportunity to start fresh. Let go of old expectations and focus on what will bring joy to your current family setup. Whether changing when your holiday meal occurs or coming up with new ways to celebrate with those who matter now, these changes can redefine your holiday experience in a way that reflects your family as it is today. Remember, children care more about spending time with you and celebrating together than about the exact day. [The Right] Communication is Key. Keeping communication focused on the kids can help prevent old conflicts from resurfacing. Keep discussions brief and to the point. Set times to address important matters and confirm plans through a message or email to ensure everyone is aligned and to prevent miscommunication. Involving New Partners. Whether it is you or your ex with a new partner, you should be mindful of how this change can stir emotions and make the situation feel uncertain. If planning to include a new partner in holiday activities, having a conversation with your ex beforehand is best. Discuss your plans for the day and make sure your ex is comfortable with the arrangement. If you are nervous about being around your ex’s new partner, remember that you have the right to decide how much or how little to engage with this new person, all while keeping things positive and calm for the children. Children may also need time to adjust to a new partner, particularly if the relationship is still fresh. Monitor how they are coping and give them space to process these changes. Do not force interactions, and if possible, let the relationship evolve naturally. Spending Time with Former In-Laws. Another challenge during the holidays for separated parents is dealing with ex-in-laws. Seeing them may feel awkward, but it is often necessary for the children's sake. If spending time with your ex-in-laws feels too emotionally challenging, be honest with yourself and them. It is okay to politely decline an invitation if it being there would cause too much stress. Regardless of how you feel about your ex-in-laws, remember that ex-in laws are still important figures in your children’s lives, and it is often best for the kids if you maintain a relationship with them. Encourage your children to spend time with their grandparents or other relatives from your ex’s family when possible. Remember even when feeling frustrated, remind yourself that cooperation between parents benefits the children, making these moments more manageable.