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Can I kick my child out at 18 in Colorado?

Many people assume that eighteen years old is the age at which children are emancipated. However, in Colorado, children are emancipated at the age of nineteen.

harrisfamilylaw.com - Nineteen is the Age of Emancipation in Colorado - The Harris Law Firm

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Many people assume that eighteen years old is the age at which children are emancipated. However, in Colorado, children are emancipated at the age of nineteen. Therefore, parents have to honor their child support obligation until each child reaches the age of nineteen.

Defining Emancipation

Emancipation is the age at which an individual’s status in society changes from child to adult. The notion that parents should stop collecting child support when the child becomes an adult is rooted in the idea that adults should be required to achieve their own financial independence.

Can a Child Become Emancipated Before the Age of 19?

Under certain circumstances, the child support obligation may end before a child turns 19. This can happen if the child gets married or joins the armed forces. It can also happen if the child is supporting himself or herself financially and no longer lives with either parent.

A child can become emancipated if he or she:

Joins the military;

Gets married;

Lives on his/her own and is self-supporting;

By conduct, though you must still prove that the child is self-supporting; or

By Order of the Court.

While these are clear examples, there are some circumstances in which good faith arguments may be made on both sides of the issue of whether or not the child is “emancipated.” For example, if a “child” is away at college or employed, the “child” may be deemed not emancipated if his or her employment is intended to defray educational expenses.

When Does Child Support Extend Beyond Emancipation?

There are certain circumstances in which the court may extend child support past the age of 19. One situation is if the child is still working toward his or her high school diploma when he or she turns 19. In that case, the child support obligation may be extended until the child graduates or until the child reaches 21. Another situation that could extend the child support obligation is when a child is mentally or physically handicapped. If the child is unable to support himself or herself because of a disability or handicap, child support may continue for the duration of the disability or handicap. Finally, a child support obligation can also be extended if the parents mutually agree to extend child support as part of a parenting plan or separation agreement.

Do Child Support Obligations End After a Parent’s Death?

Surprisingly, the death of the parent with the child support obligation does not necessarily end the child support obligation for that parent.Courts can require parents to carry life insurance that would cover their child support responsibilities until their child reaches the age of emancipation. The Harris Law Firm is one of Colorado's oldest and most respected family law firms. We understand how important it is to establish a child support agreement that is fair to both parties. If you have questions about setting up a parenting plan or the emancipation of your child, contact us today.

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What is the youngest age to go on a date?

For many kids, 16 seems to be an appropriate age, but it may be entirely suitable for a mature 15-year-old to go on a date, or to make your immature 16-year-old wait a year or two. You can also consider what other parents are doing.

healthline.com - What Age Is Appropriate for Dating: A Guide for Parents - Healthline

When your child mentions dating, or a girlfriend or boyfriend, try to get an idea of what those concepts mean to them. Take note of how your child reacts when you discuss dating. It could be a little uncomfortable or embarrassing, but if your child is unable to even discuss it with you without getting defensive or upset, take that as a sign that they probably aren’t ready.

Other things to consider include the following.

Is your child really interested in someone in particular, or are they just trying to keep up with what friends are doing?

Do you think your son or daughter would tell you if something went wrong?

Is your child generally confident and happy?

Does your child’s physical development match their emotional development?

Be aware that for many tweens and young teenagers, dating amounts to socializing in a group. While there may be interest between two in particular, it’s not double-dating so much as a group heading out or meeting up at the movies or the mall. This kind of group stuff is a safe and healthy way to interact with members of the opposite sex without the awkwardness that a one-on-one scenario can bring. Think of it as dating with training wheels. So, when is a child ready for one-on-one dating? There’s no right answer. It’s important to consider your child as an individual. Consider their emotional maturity and sense of responsibility. For many kids, 16 seems to be an appropriate age, but it may be entirely suitable for a mature 15-year-old to go on a date, or to make your immature 16-year-old wait a year or two.

You can also consider what other parents are doing. Are lots of kids the same as yours already dating in the true sense of the word?

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