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 Massachusetts, child support obligations typically end when a child turns 18, which is the age of majority. However, if the child is still enrolled in high school, support may continue until the child graduates or turns 21, whichever occurs first. If a child gets married, joins the military, or is legally emancipated before reaching the age of majority, the child is considered emancipated, and child support obligations may be terminated. However, this termination is not automatic; the parent must petition the court that issued the original child support order to obtain a termination order. Additionally, if the child has special needs, the parent may be required to continue support beyond the age of majority. It is important for parents to consult with an attorney to understand their rights and obligations regarding child support termination in Massachusetts.