Why Britney Spears Will Likely Continue Paying Child Support to Ex Kevin Federline Even After Jayden Turned 18

Alongside Jayden, the former couple is also parents to Sean, who turns 19 next month

BRITNEY SPEARS DISNEY CHANNEL PRESENTS THE 2017 RADIO DISNEY MUSIC AWARDS
Britney Spears. Photo:

Image Group LA/Disney Channel via Getty

Britney Spears is likely still set to pay child support to her ex-husband Kevin Federline, despite her younger son having turned 18 this week.

The "Womanizer" singer, 42, will continue to pay child support to Federline, with whom she shares sons Jayden, 18, and Sean, who turns 19 next month, even though both her sons are now legally adults.

According to Federline's attorney Mark Vincent Kaplan, under California law, a parent must continue paying child support until their child has graduated high school, even if they turn 18.

"Under California law, child support jurisdiction continues until the minor child reaches the age of 18, or if upon their 18th birthday they have not yet graduated high school, it continues until they graduate high school, but in no event later than their 19th birthday," Kaplan tells PEOPLE.

"The child support in this case for Jayden is being paid consistent with that law. His graduation for high school will be in November."

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Britney Spears Sweetest Pics with Her Sons
Britney Spears and sons.

Britney Spears/Instagram

A source tells PEOPLE that Spears is happy to continue supporting her sons in any way she can.

"Britney has plans for the boys' future and will do whatever she can and will always continue to love and support them," says the source.

A rep for Spears didn't immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.

In a September 2022 interview with The Daily Mail, Spears' son Jayden discussed his and his brother's evolving feelings about their relationship with their mom.

Noting that their relationship remained complicated at the time, Jayden said, "I 100 percent think this can be fixed."

Britney Spears' son Jayden James Federline
Spears' son Jayden.

Britney Spears Instagram

"It's just going to take a lot of time and effort," he continued. "When she gets better I really want to see her again."

Speaking directly to his mom, Jayden said, "I love you a lot, I hope for the best for you. Maybe one day we can sit down like this and talk again."

Spears' sons moved to Hawaii in 2023 with their dad, his wife Victoria Prince, and their two children — Peyton, 10, and Jordan, 13. At the time, Federline cited additional professional opportunities for himself as a result of the move and a job offer for Prince from a Hawaiian university.

Britney Spears' son Sean Preston Federline
Spears' son Sean.

Britney Spears Instagram

In May 2023, Kaplan told PEOPLE that Spears had "consented" to her sons going to Hawaii with their father.

"It's an opportunity for Kevin and his wife, and the boys are ready to get away from the L.A. microscope," he said.

At the time, a source also confirmed to PEOPLE that Federline first reached out to Spears for permission to move. "Britney has always faithfully supported her children and wants them to be happy," said the source.

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