Funding history and current derivative eligibility are different questions. Use the actual legally relevant relationship facts rather than treating a name on the settlement as proof of a current spouse.
Review the current household independently
Derivative eligibility generally covers a spouse and unmarried children under 21, subject to applicable CSPA protection. Keep relationship records and actual case dates current. Immigrant-visa derivatives enter with or after the principal. A change in personal circumstances should be reviewed rather than carried forward from an earlier family budget without explanation.
Raise any child approaching twenty-one with counsel at the first meeting, because the analysis of how age is calculated in these cases is technical, depends on the specific filing history, and can influence how quickly the family wants to move. Keep school enrolment plans separate from status eligibility — neither a school admission nor an investment payment extends a child's qualifying age or guarantees the whole household completes the process on the same schedule. A family member with a pending case can be affected by an age change or a marriage before the case concludes; someone already granted permanent residence is not automatically stripped of it because of a birthday or a wedding.