Legal Age for Support Orders
A care order can continue up until the age of 21 or until any assistance to the person has been completed or they achieve independence. The local authority should review the continuing need for the care order every 6 months, taking into account the views of the child or young adult. Some states allow child support to continue beyond 18 if the child has special needs or is still in high school.
To get a new support order for a disabled adult child, a parent must file a petition. Child support usually ends when a child turns 18 unless they have a disability. Support often continues until the child can live alone, reaches 21, or dies.
Independence Transition for Orphans
Upon reaching 18, orphaned individuals face challenges moving from care to independence. This transition lacks familial support orphans may take for granted. From finances to housing, these adults must learn adulthood without a family structure.
Parenting Beyond 18
Does parenting stop at 18? No, parenting does not stop at 18. The transition to adulthood comes with challenges. Parenting should involve fostering confidence in independent choices. Finding balance is key.
Should parenting stop at 18? Parenting gets trickier with reduced legal power. Ages 18-25 are a developmental period called emerging adulthood. It is characterized by instability and not feeling like a teen or adult. Parents support children longer than previous generations.