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 North Carolina, child support obligations typically end when a child reaches the age of majority, which is 18 years old, or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later, but not beyond the age of 20. If a child joins the military or gets married before reaching the age of majority, or is legally emancipated, 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 terminate the obligation. Additionally, if the child has special needs or has not graduated from high school by the age of majority, the parent may be required to continue paying child support. It is important for parents to consult with an attorney to understand their rights and obligations regarding child support under North Carolina law.