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 York, child support obligations typically end when a child turns 21, which is the age of majority for child support purposes. However, if a child becomes self-supporting, enters the military, marries, or is otherwise emancipated before turning 21, the parent may be able to seek an order to terminate the child support obligation. This termination is not automatic; the parent must petition the court that issued the original child support order. Additionally, if a child has special needs or has not graduated from high school by the age of 21, the parent may be required to continue support. In cases where the child is under 21 but has not graduated from high school, the support may continue until the child completes high school or turns 21, whichever occurs first.