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 Texas, child support obligations typically end when the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. However, if a child enlists in the military or gets married before turning 18, they may be considered emancipated, which can lead to the termination of child support obligations. Similarly, if a child successfully petitions for emancipation, child support may end. 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 officially end the support obligation. Additionally, if the child has special needs or has not graduated from high school by the age of 18, the parent may be required to continue support. Texas law allows for child support to be extended past the age of majority in these circumstances.
