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Child support during GED?

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In July Gov. Maggie Hassan (D) vetoed HB 449, a bill which clarifies that child support ends after age 18 if the child drops out of high school to enroll in a GED program or similar high school equivalency program.

Right now New Hampshire law allows child support to continue after age 18 if the child is still pursuing a high school education.  The law does not specifically address GED programs.

"A child who is struggling in a traditional high school environment but pursuing a high school equivalency degree may still need the support – both emotional and financial – of their parents," said Hassan. "It should not be arbitrarily withdrawn because they are taking a slightly different path than others in their age group."

On the other hand, supporters of HB 449 argue that it is already an unfair burden on divorced parents to legally require financial support after age 18, the age of legal adulthood. High school equivalency programs typically have flexible schedules that accommodate full-time jobs, so a child who is legally an adult and enrolled in a GED program should be able to support himself/herself.

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