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 North Carolina, 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 reaching 18, the parent's obligation to pay child support does not automatically cease. The parent must petition the court that issued the original child support order to terminate the obligation. Additionally, if the child has special needs, such as those related to healthcare, living, or education, the parent may be required to continue providing support beyond the age of majority or emancipation. It is important for parents to understand that these matters are governed by specific state statutes and court orders, and they should consult with an attorney to navigate the legal process of modifying child support obligations.