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 South Dakota, child support obligations typically end when a child reaches the age of majority, which is 18 years old. However, if a child becomes emancipated before reaching the age of majority, the parent obligated to pay child support does not automatically get relieved of this duty. Instead, the parent must petition the court that issued the original child support order to seek termination of the support obligation. Furthermore, if the child has special needs, such as those related to healthcare, living arrangements, or education, the parent may be required to continue providing support beyond the age of majority or emancipation. It is important for parents in these situations to consult with an attorney to understand their rights and obligations under South Dakota law.