Children are eligible for child support until they reach the age of 21, but special criteria apply for the continuance of child support between the ages of 18 and 21. For child support to be continued during that time period, the child must qualify as a “child attending school.”
According to Oregon law, a “child attending school” is one between ages 18 and 21 who regularly attends school, community college, college or university, or regularly attends a course of professional or technical training designed to fit the child for gainful employment. The child must be enrolled in at least one-half the normal course load to be considered a child attending school, and must maintain a “C” average or better.
Additionally, once a child qualifies as a “child attending school,” child support must be paid directly to the child unless the court orders the money to be distributed otherwise. The child may use the child support at his or her discretion. This means that the child is not required to use the money to pay for tuition, books and supplies, but rather can use the money however he or she best judges that it should be spent.
Both parents should remain actively involved in their child’s education to ensure that child support is being used optimally for the child’s advancement. Parents should advise their child that he or she only qualifies as a “child attending school” if the above criteria are met. Continued receipt of child support will provide added incentive for children to excel academically, and an opportunity to learn to manage finances wisely.