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 Virginia, child support obligations typically end when a child reaches the age of majority, which is 18 years old, or graduates from high school, whichever event occurs later. However, if the child is still in high school when they turn 18, support continues until they graduate or turn 19, whichever comes first. If a child under 18 joins the military or gets married, they may be considered emancipated, which can lead to the termination of child support obligations. Emancipation can also occur if the child petitions the court and is granted emancipation. It's important to note that the termination of child support is not automatic upon these events; the parent must seek a court order to terminate the obligation from the court that issued the original child support order. 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 support. An attorney can provide guidance on how to proceed with modifying or terminating child support obligations under these circumstances.