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In Oregon, child support obligations can extend beyond a child's 18th birthday if they are attending school. This article explores the legal framework and requirements for supporting adult children under Oregon law.
Use this article as general information to understand the issue, preserve useful records, and identify the next questions to ask an attorney about your own facts.
Published June 13, 2025
As experienced family law attorneys in Oregon, we recognize the complexities surrounding child support obligations, particularly when they extend beyond a child's 18th birthday. While many assume that child support ends when a minor reaches adulthood, this is not always the case under Oregon law.
Under Oregon Revised Statutes (opens in a new tab), parents have an obligation to provide financial support to their children until they reach 18 years of age or become emancipated. However, this responsibility may continue if the child is considered a " child attending school, " as defined by ORS 107.108.
A " child attending school " is defined by several criteria:
Eligible institutions include high schools, community colleges, universities, vocational programs, or high school equivalency courses.
To qualify for continued support payments under ORS 107.108 (4), the adult child must provide written notice to the obligor parent of their intent to attend or continue education before turning 18. This notification should include details such as the name of the institution and anticipated graduation date.
Oregon employs specific guidelines to calculate child support payments based on various factors:
These calculations ensure that both parents contribute fairly to their child's needs.
Formalizing child support agreements through court orders or administrative processes is crucial. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau (2020), nearly seven million parents had some form of child support agreement; however, enforcement remains inconsistent without formal documentation. Parents can seek enforcement through state legal channels or administrative agencies like the Oregon Division of Child Support (opens in a new tab).
Navigating post-majority child support obligations requires careful consideration and compliance with statutory requirements. If you face challenges related to supporting an adult child attending school or need assistance with any aspect of Oregon family law, we recommend consulting our experienced team at Pacific Family Law Firm. For personalized advice tailored specifically towards your situation regarding child custody or modifications thereof (child custody modification), contact us today.
Family transitions can bring court deadlines, financial uncertainty, parenting questions, and strong emotions at the same time. The first job is to steady the situation, understand the facts, and identify the legal options that fit your family.
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