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 New Jersey, child support obligations typically end when a child reaches 19 years of age, which is considered the age of majority for child support purposes. However, this can be extended until the child turns 23 if the child is still in high school, attending post-secondary education, or has a physical or mental disability. If a child becomes emancipated before reaching 19, the parent may be relieved from the obligation of paying child support, but this does not happen automatically. The parent must file a request with the court to have the child support order terminated. In cases where the child has special needs, New Jersey law may require the continuation of support beyond the age of majority or emancipation to cover healthcare, living, and educational expenses. It is important for parents to consult with an attorney to understand their rights and obligations regarding child support in the event of a child's emancipation or if the child has special needs.