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 West Virginia, 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's obligation to pay child support does not automatically cease. The parent must petition the court that issued the original child support order to seek termination of the support obligation. It's important to note that emancipation criteria and processes can vary, and an attorney can provide guidance specific to individual circumstances. Additionally, if a child has special needs that require continued support for healthcare, living expenses, or education, the parent may be required to continue providing support beyond the age of majority or emancipation. The determination of extended support in such cases is made by the court, taking into account the child's needs and the parent's ability to pay.