Raised Bill No. 5420 seeks to amend existing statutes related to child support, extending the obligation of parents to provide support to children under the age of twenty-one. The bill, effective from October 1, 2024, applies to cases filed on or after this date and includes provisions for the modification, suspension, or termination of child support orders under certain conditions, such as the child marrying, joining the military, or becoming self-supporting. It also clarifies the definition of "child support" and maintains parental responsibility for full-time high school students until they complete twelfth grade or turn nineteen, whichever comes first, for decrees entered before October 1, 2024. Additionally, the bill addresses the support of children with disabilities up to the age of twenty-six and outlines considerations for determining a child's need for maintenance and the parents' ability to provide it, including provisions regarding health insurance coverage for children.

The bill also introduces changes to the legal responsibilities of spouses for family support, specifying liabilities for medical and dental services, hospital expenses, rental of dwelling units, and articles purchased for family support or joint benefit. It addresses the situation of spousal abandonment without cause and revises language related to the custody and care of children, extending the court's authority to adopted children and natural children adopted by one of the parents. The bill updates the provisions for alimony and support pendente lite, detailing the process for requesting initial orders and the factors the court must consider. It repeals a section of the law that required support for an unmarried full-time high school student until they complete twelfth grade or turn nineteen, and amends the law regarding purchases made by either spouse. The bill's amendments aim to ensure that child support obligations are in line with the financial ability of the defendant and extend support for children up to the age of twenty-one.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 51-348a