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Courts Confirm That Children Over 18 Can Receive Alimony Until 24 If Attending College, But Benefits Can Be Cut Without Proof of Need.
A common question among separated parents is: does child support automatically end when the child turns 18? The answer is no. The jurisprudence of the STJ and several state courts has already established that adulthood, in itself, does not extinguish the obligation of support. Alimony can continue when there is proven need, especially during the period of academic training. After all, many young people cannot support themselves while attending college.
Until When Can Alimony Be Maintained
Courts have adopted a reference limit of 24 years of age for maintaining alimony when the child is enrolled and attending a university course.
This understanding is not expressly stated in law, but results from jurisprudential construction based on the principle of family solidarity.
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In other words: if the young person proves they need financial support to complete their studies, alimony can be maintained until that age.
What Courts Require as Proof
To maintain alimony after 18, children need to provide concrete proof that they still depend on financial support. Among the most accepted documents are:
- Proof of enrollment and updated academic records;
- School or university attendance;
- Absence of sufficient income for their own sustenance;
- In some cases, even internship certificates showing insufficient earnings.
Without this proof, the benefit can be reduced or cut by judges.
Important STJ Decisions
Several rulings from the Superior Court of Justice reinforce this understanding:
- REsp 1.234.933/DF: the court made it clear that once adulthood is reached, it is the child’s duty to prove the need to maintain alimony.
- AgRg no REsp 1.215.911/RS: the STJ considered it legitimate to maintain alimony until 24 for university students without their own income.
- Recent decisions also confirm that alimony is not automatic: if the course is not attended or if the child already has sufficient income, the benefit can be reviewed.
Direct Impact on Parents
This line of decisions has a significant impact on parents who bear the burden of alimony. Many question whether the obligation should remain even when the child is already an adult.
With the current jurisprudence, parents must continue to pay if there is proven need. However, on the other hand, they have support to request review or termination when the child is not studying or already works with sufficient income.
Practical Example
Imagine a 20-year-old child enrolled in medical school, a full-time course that requires almost exclusive dedication. In this case, it is reasonable for them to continue receiving alimony until they complete their degree, even being of age.
On the other hand, if a 22-year-old is formally enrolled but does not attend classes, or already has a steady job with a salary capable of covering their expenses, the courts tend to terminate the alimony.
How the Review Process Works
The father or mother who wishes to review the obligation must file a food revision action or termination action.
In it, it is up to the provider to demonstrate the change in situation: the child’s adulthood, any own income, or lack of academic proof.
Similarly, the child must present documents that prove the need to maintain the alimony. It is this confrontation of evidence that guides the judge’s decision.
The Balance Between Need and Possibility
The Civil Code, in its article 1.694, defines that alimony must be set observing the binomial need x possibility:
- Child’s need to support themselves while studying;
- Parent’s possibility of covering the amount.
This rule continues to apply even after adulthood. What changes is the burden of proof: the one who must demonstrate the need to maintain alimony is the adult child.
An Obligation That Adapts to Reality
Jurisprudence shows that alimony is not an eternal obligation, but rather a duty that adapts to the circumstances of life.
When the child demonstrates effort to study and still cannot support themselves, alimony continues to be due.
When there is financial independence or lack of proof, the courts understand that it is time to reduce or terminate the obligation.
University Alimony: Between Right and Controversy
Alimony for adult children attending college remains a controversial topic, as it divides opinions between parents who consider the obligation excessive and children who still cannot live independently.
However, the dominant understanding is clear: alimony can be maintained until 24, but always depends on proof of real need. Without this proof, the courts do not hesitate to terminate the benefit.
A minha filha está com 25 anos, pós graduada, trabalhando e o juiz já negou 3x o cancelamento da pensão.
Gente me explica e se um.filho maior já idoso 64 anos soro positivo vive fora do país e volta pro Brasil e descobre que está com câncer ele tem direito de pedir pensão por morte do pai já que a mãe de criançao recebe sozinha,? Será que esse filho tem direito dela duvir com ele mesmo passando tantos anos? Só que nunca soube que teria direito e quando foi c8hraminado com HIV o psi era vivo mas por ele trabalhar nunca penso em.oedir nada. Hoje já idoso e agora com esse diagnóstico sem renda o juiz pode conceder a metade da pensão? Pq hoje tá debilidado e não tem renda alguma só um carro que vai por a venda pq não pode dirir? SERA QUE TEM QUEXSWR. IA ADMINISTRATIVO OU ENTRAR. OM.UM.PROCESSO?
Mais fácil esse filho idoso e doente conseguir o BCPLoas pelo INSS por estar em vulnerabilidade social ou tentar uma aposentadoria mesmo (a diferença é q o Loas n paga 13⁰, a aposentadoria paga). Ele precisa ir num CRAS (toda cidade tem) e conversar pra ter um registro. Dali pra frente é perguntar o que precisa pra pedir o BCPLoas (que eu acredito precisar pedir no app do INSS ou via advogado).
Gostaria de saber, e quanto o pai pra não pagar a pensão, se desliga do emprego tira tds os bens de seu nome, contrata advogado e diz que não tem como pagar, o que poderia ser feito
Infelizmente, nada
Os alimentos são devidos, tenha o Alimentante vínculo empregatício ou não. A diferença estará no percentual e valores devidos. Em caso de inadimplência, é processo de execução de alimentos e pedido de prisão. Procure um advogado militante na seara familiarista. Alimentos dá **** ……esteja empregado ou não!!