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 York, child support obligations typically end when a child reaches the age of 21, rather than the age of majority (18), which is more common in other states. However, if a child becomes emancipated before reaching 21, the parent may be relieved from the duty to pay child support. Emancipation can occur if the child marries, joins the military, or becomes economically independent. The termination of child support due to emancipation is not automatic; the parent must petition the court that issued the original child support order to seek termination of the obligation. Additionally, if the child has special needs, the parent may be required to continue support past the age of 21. The court considers factors such as the child's health care, living, and educational needs when determining the duration and amount of support.