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Judge declines to terminate child support; statutory timeline keeps Kenneth Mars’s obligation in place until July 2026
Summary
A Benton County judge denied a pro se petition by Kenneth Mars to terminate child support for his son because state law requires an obligation to continue until the child turns 18 and graduates with his class; the court said the earliest termination would be July 2026 unless the child graduates earlier or other conditions are met.
Benton County — A judge in Benton County General Sessions Court told Kenneth Mars he could not terminate his child-support obligation now because state law ties support to a child’s class graduation; the judge said the obligation will likely continue until July 2026 unless the child graduates earlier.
Mars appeared pro se seeking to end support for his son, who is still in school and will not be 18 until July 21. The judge explained the law requires support until a child turns 18 and graduates from high school or until the class of which the child is a member graduates, and noted the son had been held back and will be a senior this coming year.
The judge said the earliest date for termination under the statute would be July 2026 unless Mars’s son graduates early, and encouraged Mars to pursue early graduation options such as Penn Foster; the court suggested Mars coordinate with the child’s father to sign documents needed for enlistment or early graduation.
Less critical details: Mars indicated his son is attempting to enroll in the military and is seeking documentation from the father; the judge offered procedural guidance and invited the parties to speak privately about next steps but declined to terminate support at the hearing.
