Most parents know that child support in Illinois ends when a child turns 18, or 19 if the child is still in high school. But for families raising a child with a disability in 2026, that cutoff may not be the end of the story. If your child cannot live on their own due to a physical or mental condition, Illinois law may allow you to seek child support well past age 18. A Naperville family law attorney can help you understand your options.
What Does Illinois Law Say About Child Support for Disabled Adult Children?
Illinois law gives parents a legal path to seek child support beyond age 18 for a child with a disability. Under 750 ILCS 5/513.5 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, a court can order support for a child who has turned 18 if that child has a physical or mental disability and is not otherwise emancipated. The court can require either parent to pay, for as long as the child’s condition requires it.