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 Colorado, child support obligations typically end when a child reaches the age of 19, which is the age of majority for child support purposes. However, if a child is still in high school or an equivalent program, support may continue until the end of the month following graduation or until the child turns 21, whichever comes first. If a child joins the military, gets married, or is legally emancipated before reaching the age of 19, the child is considered emancipated, and the child support obligation may be terminated. However, this termination is not automatic; the obligor parent must petition the court that issued the original child support order to have the obligation terminated. Additionally, if the child has special needs, 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 are not automatic and typically require legal action to modify the support order.