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 New Jersey, child support obligations typically end when a child reaches 19 years of age, which is considered the age of majority for child support purposes. However, this can be extended until the child turns 23 if the child is still in high school, attending post-secondary education, or has a physical or mental disability. If a child under 19 joins the military, gets married, or is legally emancipated, the parent can request the court to terminate the child support obligation. This termination is not automatic; the parent must file a motion with the court that originally issued the child support order. In cases where a child has special needs, the court may order child support to continue beyond the age of majority to address the child's healthcare, living, and educational expenses.