Law
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Determines When Child Support Ends?

Renee Booker
Renee Booker

From a legal standpoint, the determination as to when child support ends will depend on whether there is a legal agreement between the parents, or, in the absence of an agreement, then the law of the jurisdiction will decide. Laws regarding the support of minor children vary widely around the world. In the United States, the terms of a divorce decree or support order will dictate when child support ends. State law will prevail if the parties have not made an agreement to continue the support for a longer period of time. Emancipation of the child is another way in which child support may end.

Within the United States, child support is ordered when the parents file for a legal separation or divorce, or pursuant to a petition by the custodial parent when the parents were not married at the time of birth of the child. Whether the parents were married or not, a non-custodial parent has an obligation to support the child. When a child is born out of wedlock, paternity must first be legally established before the support obligation begins. In most states, paternity may be established by both parents signing a paternity affidavit or by either parent filing a petition to establish paternity with the appropriate court.

A legal agreement between parents can determine when child support ends.
A legal agreement between parents can determine when child support ends.

When the parents of the child file for divorce or legal separation, child support will need to be addressed in the separation or divorce agreement. When the parties are able to reach a mutual agreement, the terms of the agreement are submitted to the court and, upon acceptance by the court, become orders of the court. In some cases, the parties may agree to continue child support past the age of majority — 18 in most states — particularly if the child is enrolled in a post-secondary institution. The requirement that the child be enrolled in college, in fact, is often the determining factor that decides when the child support ends.

Non-custodial parents are required to pay child support to custodial parents.
Non-custodial parents are required to pay child support to custodial parents.

If the parties were not married, or the terms of the divorce decree left open when child support ends, then the laws of the state where the child resides will determine when child support ends. In most states, the obligation to pay child support ends when the child reaches the age of majority. In some cases, the law will contemplate a child turning 18 while he or she is still in high school and will require support to continue until the child finishes high school.

The number of children that a person has is typically considered in determining the amount of child support that she or he must pay.
The number of children that a person has is typically considered in determining the amount of child support that she or he must pay.

Emancipation is another way that the obligation to pay child support will terminate. Emancipation is a legal process by which an individual who is under the age of majority petitions the court to obtain a legal determination that the individual is now an adult under the eyes of the law. As part of the decision whether to grant emancipation, the petitioner must usually show the court that he or she is able to support himself or herself. As a result, a parent who has been paying child support will be relieved of the obligation if the emancipation petition is granted.

Discussion Comments

bear78

Regardless of age, there are some factors that prevent someone from receiving child support. For example, getting married and joining the military. Such individuals will not receive child support any longer.

fBoyle

I think that age 18 is the right time for child support to end. This is the age where children are considered adults. Moreover, most 18 year old adults leave their parent's home, start working and become independent. But I don't think that these factors are necessary.

Someone may be dependent on a parent for the rest of his life and may never work. Does this mean that a parent should pay child support for the rest of that person's life? That would be very illogical wouldn't it? That's why age 18 is the cut off and child support should end at this time regardless of the dependency of the young adult. I think this system also encourages young adults to become independent and take responsibility.

SteamLouis

I think that child support ought to be automatically extended until age 21 or 22 for children who are going to college full time. It is not very realistic to expect full time college students to care for themselves, especially considering how high college tuition is. Obviously, a student can work and go to school at the same time. But if the parent paying child support has high income, if he or she is not paying any college tuition for the student and if the student is studying full time, then child support should continue until graduation.

I think that there are some states that support this and have set age 21 as the age for child support to end. But they are in the minority. For the majority of states, it is 18.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A legal agreement between parents can determine when child support ends.
      By: danmorgan12
      A legal agreement between parents can determine when child support ends.
    • Non-custodial parents are required to pay child support to custodial parents.
      By: Serhiy Kobyakov
      Non-custodial parents are required to pay child support to custodial parents.
    • The number of children that a person has is typically considered in determining the amount of child support that she or he must pay.
      By: Petro Feketa
      The number of children that a person has is typically considered in determining the amount of child support that she or he must pay.
    • A non-custodial parent may be required to pay child support up until the child is 18 years old in some cases.
      By: Photographee.eu
      A non-custodial parent may be required to pay child support up until the child is 18 years old in some cases.