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 Mexico, 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. However, if a child under the age of majority enlists in the military, gets married, or is legally emancipated, the child is considered to be independent, and the parent's obligation to pay child support may be terminated. It is important to note that this termination is not automatic; the parent must petition the court that issued the original child support order to obtain an order terminating 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. An attorney can provide guidance on how to proceed with modifying or terminating child support obligations under these circumstances.