Child support obligations generally terminate, as provided by the child support order from the court, when the child reaches the age of majority (18 in most states). If a parent is obligated to pay child support and the child becomes emancipated before reaching the age of majority in the state (usually 18), the parent may no longer have to pay child support. But the child support obligation in this circumstance does not terminate automatically, and the parent generally must seek an order terminating the support obligation from the court that issued the child support order. And if the child has special needs (health care, living, education), the parent may be required to pay child support even after the child reaches the age of majority or is emancipated.

In California, child support obligations typically end when a child reaches the age of majority, which is 18 years old. However, if a child becomes legally emancipated before turning 18, the parent may be relieved from the duty to pay child support. Emancipation can occur through marriage, military service, or a court order based on the child's ability to be self-supporting. It's important to note that the termination of child support is not automatic upon emancipation; the parent must petition the court that issued the original child support order to terminate the obligation. Additionally, if the child has special needs, the court may order child support to continue beyond the age of majority. This could include support for healthcare, living expenses, or education, depending on the child's circumstances. An attorney can provide guidance on how to proceed with modifying or terminating child support obligations in light of these factors.