Child support obligations generally end when the child reaches the age of majority as defined by state law (usually 18-21) or graduates from high school. If a child joins the military or gets married before reaching the age of majority, or successfully petitions the court for emancipation (“to remove the disabilities of minority”), the child will be emancipated and child support obligations will usually be terminated. 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) or has not graduated from high school by the age of majority, the parent may be required to pay child support even after the child reaches the age of majority or is emancipated.

In California, child support obligations typically end when a child reaches the age of 18, which is the age of majority, or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. However, if the child is still a full-time high school student and not self-supporting, the support continues until the child completes the 12th grade or reaches the age of 19, whichever comes first. If a child marries, joins the military, or is legally emancipated before reaching the age of majority, the child is considered emancipated, and the parent's obligation to pay child support generally ends. Nevertheless, this termination of child support is not automatic; the parent must obtain a court order from the court that issued the original child support order to officially terminate the obligation. Additionally, if the child has special needs or disabilities, the court may order child support to continue beyond the age of majority. It is important for parents to be aware that changes in child support obligations should be addressed through the legal system to ensure proper documentation and enforcement.