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Is child support available after a parent's death? Learn how this matter is handled and how the surviving parent may still receive payment.
Published on July 29, 2024 In This Article In This ArticleThe death of a child's parent is a tragic time all around, made all the more stressful by the financial uncertainty that may come with it. In the case of parents who are separated or divorced, the death of a parent may also impact child support payments going forward.
This is a complicated issue that will vary state by state and with individual circumstances. It also warrants legal counsel on behalf of the surviving parent and children. Because state laws govern child support issues and enforcement, it is vital to research the rules in your state. Both surviving parents whose children were receiving child support from the deceased parent as well as parents who were paying child support to the deceased parent may wish to consult with legal counsel.
However, the general answer is that child support payments will likely continue in some form after one parent dies, but each family's case will be different. No matter your circumstance, it is best to consult an attorney specializing in family law matters. Whether the deceased is the custodial or non-custodial parent will determine what steps you should take next.
The death of the non-custodial parent may leave the custodial parent wondering how they will be able to continue to support their children. Generally, though, the legal and financial obligation of the deceased parent to the children does not end with their death. Thus, in many cases, child support is ordered to continue—but this is not guaranteed. Here are a few pertinent questions to ask when determining how to continue receiving support.
Was there a life insurance policy that named your child as a beneficiary? If so, the surviving parent should call the insurance company to begin collecting on the policy on behalf of the child. You will need a copy of the death certificate, which is important to have on hand for pursuing claims from life insurance policies, along with some of the other avenues below.
Suppose the deceased parent was gainfully employed for some time. In that case, the surviving parent may be able to seek benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) on behalf of the child.
Generally, children up to age 19 can receive SSA benefits until they reach age 19 as long as they are still in high school. Additionally, children with a disability that began before age 22 can continue to draw benefits into adulthood. These benefits are also available in the case of a parent's disability.
A parent's estate may include cars, houses, bank accounts, and retirement funds, as well as any debts or taxes owed. If a parent does not have life insurance, the estate will likely become responsible for paying any child support payments that are owed. First, determine who the executor or personal representative of the estate is. This role is appointed by the state, normally following the wishes of the deceased.
If the deceased parent had a will, it is important to determine what the will provides for the children and if other heirs are named (such as a spouse or other family members). If the parent died without a will in place, the distribution of assets will be determined by state law and at the discretion of the applicable probate court. An estate lawyer can help walk you through this complicated terrain.
If the custodial parent dies, the priority is determining child custody. Candidates may include the non-custodial parent, grandparents, other relatives, or friends of the family. Again, each situation is unique. Ideally, custody or legal guardianship is something the parents discussed and planned for before the custodial parent's death.
Having a will in place to spell out these wishes helps to clarify preferences and streamlines the process of setting up a new custody arrangement. If the non-custodial parent assumes custody, they may be able to seek a child support modification. They may also seek child support from the custodial parent's estate to help with the expenses associated with raising children in addition to any Social Security or life insurance benefits.
If the non-custodial parent does not assume custody of the child after a custodial parent dies, whoever does take on custody may be eligible to pursue child support claims from the surviving parent. In this case, the child's new caretaker may be able to collect child support from the non-custodial parent and seek support from the deceased custodial parent's estate.
Matters can become more complicated if the deceased non-custodial parent had a partner. It's not uncommon for this person to continue receiving notices from the family court when the deceased was charged with paying child support.
If the partner stands to inherit from the estate or owned property jointly with the deceased, you will want to determine how that impacts the claims of the dependent children and vice versa. The distribution of assets from the deceased's estate and how the partner plays into the will are all issues that an estate lawyer can assist you with.
The surviving parent may wish to alert the family court of the surviving partner's claim to the estate as it may impact the funds available for child support. The court will likely require a death certificate as evidence to verify the claim. In most cases, it should be mailed directly to the family court.
It's unfortunate when a parent dies—and the priority is always helping the surviving children cope. However, just like the parent's love for their children, the obligation to support a child does not die with them. It is in the child's best interest that the surviving parent or legal guardian continues to receive support so that the child's household can be maintained without interruption.
Legal help in navigating these complex issues is almost always the best first step in protecting the surviving children's interests. A parent who needs answers regarding the death of another parent should seek help from qualified estate and family law attorneys in the state to discuss child support and inheritance. An estate planning attorney can also help parents prepare for unforeseen circumstances, such as death or disability.
