State Laws on When Child Support Ends

Every parent has a legal duty to support their minor child financially. When parents divorce, this duty often translates into one parent (usually the noncustodial parent) having to pay child support to the other. How long a parent must pay child support is dictated by state law.

When Child Support Might Continue Past the Age of Majority

Many parents believe that their obligation to pay monthly child support ends when their child becomes a legal adult—known in legalese as the "age of majority." In most states, the age of majority is 18, but it could be 19 or 21, depending on state law.

Although this is the general rule, there are exceptions. Each state's law is different different, but parents might have to pay support past the age of majority ("postmajority support") in the following situations:

• When the parents have an agreement about continuing child support. Divorcing parents always have the option of agreeing to support their child past the age of majority. For example, parents may agree that they'll both pay for their child's college education. Most of the time, these agreements are made part of the final divorce decree. Generally, that means one parent can seek to enforce the agreement if the other parent doesn't follow through. However, a few states won't enforce these agreements after the child reaches the age of majority.
• When state law requires continuing support for the child's education. In many states, judges may order parents to pay "postsecondary educational support" if one parent requests it. Usually, this support must be used to pay educational expenses while the child attends college or other post-high school education.
• When the child has a disability. In most states, judges may require continuing support for adult children who can't support themselves because of a disability or other condition. Often, the law requires that the disability was present before the child became a legal adult.

When Child Support Might End Before the Age of Majority

Depending on state law, a parent's duty to pay child support might end before the child reaches the state's age of majority if:

• the child is emancipated (usually through marriage, enlistment in the armed services, or court order)
• a judge ends the support obligation in a court order
• the paying parent dies, or
• the child passes away.

The best way to find out how long you or your ex must pay support is by reviewing the final divorce decree and orders from your divorce case.

State Laws on When Child Support Ends

Here's a basic breakdown of each state's rules on when child support generally ends and when parents may have to pay support beyond that point. If you have any questions, a local family law attorney can explain how your state's most recent laws (including court opinions) might apply to your specific situation.

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

Alabama

The duty to pay child support in Alabama generally ends when a child turns 19. (Ala. Code § 26-1-1 (2025).)

Parents may voluntarily agree to provide post majority educational support, but a judge generally may not order it without an agreement. However, judges may order post majority support without parental agreement for children who can't support themselves because of their disabilities. (Ex parte Christopher, 145 So. 3d 60 (Ala. 2013); Ex parte Brewington, 445 So. 2d 294 (Ala. 1983).)

Alaska

The duty to pay child support in Alaska generally ends when a child turns 18. (Alaska Stat. §§ 25.20.010, 25.27.060, 25.27.061 (2024).)

Parents may voluntarily agree to provide postmajority educational support, but a judge may generally not order it without an agreement. (H.P.A. v. S.C.A., 704 P. 2d 205 (Alaska 1985).)

However, judges may order postmajority support without parental agreement for children who can't support themselves because of their disabilities. (Streb v. Streb, 774 P. 2d 798 (Alaska 1989).)

Arizona

Generally, the duty to pay child support in Arizona ends when a child turns 18. However, support must continue as long as the child is still attending high school (or a high school equivalency program), up until the child turns 19 (or is otherwise emancipated at a younger age). Also, a judge may order the support to continue longer. (Ariz. Rev. Stat. §§ 1-215(3), 25-501(A) (2025); Guzman v. Guzman, 854 P. 2d 1169 (Ariz. App. 1993).)

Parents may voluntarily agree to provide postmajority support. As long as they have a signed, written agreement, courts will enforce their agreement in a separate contract action. (Solomon v. Findley, 808 P. 2d 294 (Ariz. 1991).)

Judges may also order postmajority support for children with mental or physical disabilities. (Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 25-501(A) (2025).)

Arkansas

The duty to pay child support in Arkansas normally ends when a child turns 18. However, support must continue while an 18-year-old is still attending high school, until the end of the school year after the child turns 19. Even beyond that point, a judge may order that payments continue as long as the child is still in school. (Ark. Code §§ 9-12-312(a)(6)(A), 9-14-237 (2025).)

Judges may not order support beyond a child's high school graduation, but the parents may agree to that.

Arkansas judges may order postmajority support for children with disabilities that affect their ability to live independently. (Ark. Code § 9-12-312(a)(6)(B) (2025).)

California

The duty to pay child support in California generally ends when a child turns 18. But support may end earlier if the child gets married, and it must continue as long as the child is still a full-time high school student, until the child turns 19. (Cal. Fam. Code §§ 3901, 6500 (2025).)

A judge may order continued support for incapacitated adult children who aren't able to earn a living. (Cal. Fam. Code § 3910 (2025).)

Colorado

The duty to pay child support in Colorado ends when a child turns 19, unless:

• the parents have agreed to extend support beyond then
• the child is still in high school or an equivalent program (in which case support ends at the end of the month after graduation), or
• the child is married, enters active military duty, or is otherwise emancipated before turning 19.

Colorado judges may order child support for children older than 19 who are mentally or physically disabled.

(Colo. Rev. Stat. § 14-10-115(13)(a) (2025).)

Connecticut

The duty to pay child support in Connecticut normally ends when the child turns 18. However, if an 18-year-old is unmarried and still in high school, support must continue until the child turns 19 or finishes 12th grade, whichever happens first. (Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 1-1d, 46b- 570 (2025).)

If a parent requests it, a judge may issue an "educational support order" when the parents divorce (or if their divorce decree specifically says they may request such an order later on). Before issuing the order, however, the judge must find that, based on the specific circumstances, the parents would probably have provided support for their child's higher education if they'd stayed married. The order may require support for attending college or a private career school for as many as four years, but not beyond the child's 23rd birthday. (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-56c (2025).)

Connecticut judges may order continuing support for children with intellectual, mental, or physical disabilities if they live with and are dependent on a parent. If the parents divorced before October 1, 2023 (or the original child support order was issued before then), the support will continue only until the child turns 21. In divorces after that, the cutoff age is 26. Connecticut's child support guidelines won't apply to these support orders. (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-84(c) (2025).)

Delaware

The duty to pay child support in Delaware generally ends when the child turns 18. But if an 18-year-old is still in high school and is likely to graduate, the support must continue until the child gets a diploma or turns 19, whichever happens first. (Del. Code tit. 1, § 701; tit. 13, § 501 (2025).)

Parents in Delaware also have a legal obligation to support their children who can't support themselves, such as when a child has a severe disability. (Del. Code tit. 13, § 503 (2025).)

District of Columbia

Parents' legal duty to pay child support in Washington, D.C. continues until the children turn 21. Judges may not require support after age 21, except when a child has a physical or mental disability. (D.C. Code § 46-101, D.C. Dom. Rel. Rules, rule 2 (2025); Nelson v. Nelson, 548 A. 2d 109 (D.C. App. 1988).)

Florida

Parents' obligation to pay child support in Florida generally ends when the child turns 18. But judges may order continuing support for:

• 18-year-olds who are still in high school and are expected to graduate before they turn 19, or
• children who are incapacitated because of a mental or physical disability, as long as that condition existed before age 18.

(Fla. Stat. §§ 61.14(9), 743.07 (2025); Walworth v. Klauder, 615 So. 2d 219 (Fla. App. 1993).)

Florida judges may not order support for postsecondary education, unless parents have agreed to that. (Fla. Stat. § 61.13(1)(a) (2025); Grapin v. Grapin, 450 So. 2d 853 (Fla. 1984).)

Georgia

The duty to pay child support in Georgia generally ends when a child turns 18 (the age of majority in the state). But judges may order support for older children who are still attending high school, up until their 20th birthday. (Ga. Code §§ 39-1-1, 19-6-15(e) (2025).)

Georgia is one of the few states that doesn't allow child support orders for adult children with a disability. (Crane v. Crane, 170 S.E. 2d 392 (Ga. 1969).)

Hawaii

The duty to pay child support in Hawaii generally ends when a child turns 18. However, a judge may order support for an adult child, including for the child's education. Unlike some other states, Hawaii allows parents to file a request for support of an incompetent adult child after the child has turned 18. (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 580-47(a) (2025.)

When support will continue because of an adult child's education, the custodial parent or the child will need to submit proof of enrollment as a full-time student or acceptance in a college or vocational school.

(Haw. Rev. Stat. §§ 577-1, 580-47 (2024); Jaylo v. Jaylo, 262 P. 3d 245 (Haw. 2011).)

Idaho

The duty to pay child support in Idaho generally ends when a child turns 18. However, a judge may order support for an 18-year-old who's still in high school. (Idaho Code § 32-706 (2025).)

Illinois

The duty to pay child support in Illinois generally ends when the child turns 18 or is otherwise emancipated. But if the child is still attending high school, support will continue until the child turns 19 or graduates, whichever happens first. Beyond that point, a judge may order support for post-secondary education, under certain conditions. (750 Ill. Comp. Stat. §§ 5/505, 5/513 (2025).)

Illinois judges may also order support for adult children with mental or physical disabilities. (750 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 5/513.5 (2025).)

Indiana

The duty to pay child support in Indiana ends when the child turns 19, unless the child:

• is 18, hasn't attended school (high school or college) for the past four months, and is capable of self-support
• is incapacitated, or
• is otherwise emancipated before turning 19.

(Ind. Code § 31-16-6-6 (2025).)

Iowa

The duty to pay child support in Iowa ends when the child turns 18 the child is still attending high school full-time and is reasonably expected to graduate before turning 19.

A judge may order parents to pay:

• a subsidy for their child's postsecondary education (if there's a good reason for that), or
• support for an adult child who's dependent on the parents because of a physical or mental disability.

(Iowa Code §§ 252A.3, 598.1(9), 598.21F (2025).)

Kansas

The duty to pay child support in Kansas generally ends when the child turns 18, unless:

• a judge has approved the parents' written agreement to pay support beyond then, or
• the child is still attending high school after turning 18.

Usually, support for high school students will end after June of the school year when the child turned 18. But it may continue through the school year when a bona fide student turns 19, if both parents agreed to the decision to the educational delay. (Kan. Stat. § 23-3001 (2025).)

Judges may not order parents to pay postmajority support for a child with a disability, because Kansas parents don't have a duty to support a child with disabilities past the age of majority. (Kan. Stat. § 59-2006(a) (2025).)

Kentucky

The duty to pay child support in Kentucky generally ends when the child turns 18 or is otherwise emancipated. However, if an unmarried child is still in high school, support will continue until the end of the school year when the child turns 19. Parents may also agree in writing to postmajority support. (Ky. Rev. Stat. § 403.213 (2025).)

Also, Kansas judges may order parents to pay support for their adult children who are completely dependent because of a permanent physical or mental disability. (Ky. Rev. Stat. § 405.020(2) (2025).)

Louisiana

The age of majority in Louisiana is 18. (La. Civ. Code Art. 29 (2022).) The duty to pay support generally ends at 18, but continues if the child is a full-time student in good-standing, enrolled in secondary school or equivalent, has not reached age 19, and is dependent upon either parent. (La. Rev. Stat. § 9:315.22(C) (2025).)

Support will continue until the age of 22 for children who have a developmental disability and who are still in secondary school. Also, support will continue postmajority without an age limit for children who are incapable of self-support and require substantial care and personal supervision because of an intellectual or physical disability that is manifested before the child reached age 18. (La. Rev. Stat. § 9:315.22(D), (E) (2025).)

Post-secondary support is by agreement only.

Maine

The age of majority in Maine is 18. (Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 1, § 72 (2022).) The duty to pay child support generally continues until age 18 or, if the child is still in high school, until the earlier of either graduation or the child's 19^th birthday. (Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 19-A, § 1653(12)(A) (2025).)

The duty to pay support ends before age 18 if the child becomes married or becomes a member of the armed forces. (Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 19-A, §§ 1653(12)(B); 1653(12)(C) (2025).)

Judges may order postmajority support only when the parents have agreed to it. (Peterson v. Leonard, 622 A. 2d 87 (Me. 1993).)

Maryland

The age of majority in Maryland is 18. (Md. Code Gen. Prov., § 1-401(a) (2022).) Child support generally ends at age 18, but a child who has turned age 18 and is still in secondary school has the right to receive support until the first to occur of the following:

• the child dies
• the child marries
• the child is emancipated
• the child graduates from or is no longer enrolled in secondary school, or
• the child turns 19.

(Md. Code Gen. Prov., § 1-401(b) (2025).)

If parents have the resources to do so, they have a duty to support destitute adult children who have no other means of subsistence and can't support themselves because of a physical or mental infirmity. (Md. Code Fam. Law, § 13-102 (2022); Freeburger v. Bichell, 763 A. 2d 1226 (Md. App. 2000).)

Massachusetts

The age of majority in Massachusetts is 18. (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 4, § 7 (2022).) The duty to pay support generally ends when the child turns 18, but Massachusetts judges may order support to continue until age 21 for children who live with a parent and are dependent on the parent for support. A judge may also order support to continue to age 23 if the child is domiciled in the home of a parent and is dependent on the parent because the child is enrolled in an educational program (but not a postgraduate educational program). (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 208, § 28 (2025).)

In addition, judges may order parents to pay support for an adult child who has a mental or physical disability. (Feinberg v. Diamant, 389 N.E. 2d 998 (Mass. 1979).)

Parents may agree on postmajority support, but they may not bargain away a child's legal support rights. (Cavanagh v. Cavanagh, 191 N.E. 3d 975 (Mass. 2022).)

Michigan

The age of majority in Michigan is 18. (Mich. Comp. Laws § 722.52 (2025).) The duty to pay support generally ends at age 18, but judges may order postmajority support for children who are attending high school full time and have a reasonable expectation of graduating. The support duty may continue until the child reaches 19 years and six months of age.

The parents may also agree to continue paying support after age 18. (Mich. Comp. Laws § 552.605b (2025).)

Michigan law doesn't address whether judges may order postmajority support for children with disabilities.

Minnesota

The age of majority in Minnesota is 18. (Minn. Stat. § 645.45(3) (2025).) However, for purposes of child support, a "child" is an individual under 18, an individual under age 20 who is still attending secondary school, or an individual who, because of a physical or mental condition, can't self-support. (Minn. Stat. § 518A.26 (2025).)

Parents in Minnesota may also agree to designate a sum of money beyond any court-ordered child support as a trust fund for the costs of postsecondary education. (Minn. Stat. § 518.551 (2022).)

Mississippi

The age of majority in Mississippi is 21. (Miss. Code § 1-3-27 (2022).) The duty to pay child support generally ends when the child turns 21, unless the child is emancipated through marriage, serving in the military on a full-time basis, or serving a sentence of two or more years for committing a felony. (Miss. Code § 93-11-65(8)(a) (2025).)

However, a judge may order support to end sooner if a child:

• is at least 18 and has dropped out of full-time school (unless the child is disabled)
• has voluntarily left the custodial parent's home, has a full-time job and independent living arrangements, and has stopped attending full-time school, or
• is living with a partner, without the consent of the parent who was paying support.

(Miss. Code § 93-11-65(8)(b) (2025).)

Parents may agree to continue paying child support after the child turns 21. (Nichols v. Tedder, 547 So. 2d 766 (Miss. 1989).)

Mississippi law does not require parents to pay support for adult children who aren't able to support themselves because a mental or physical disability. (Watkins v. Watkins, 337 So. 2d 723 (Miss. 1976).)

Missouri

Missouri law doesn't set a clear age of majority, but state law does state that a person becomes legally able to enter a contract at the age of 18. (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 431.055 (2025).)

The duty to pay child support continues until the child:

• dies
• marries
• enters active military duty
• becomes self-supporting (provided that the custodial parent has given up parental control by express or implied consent), or
• reaches age 18.

However, the support obligation continues after age 18 (until age 21) if the child:

• is still attending secondary school, or
• is enrolled in a vocational or higher education institution and completes at least 12 credit hours each semester (except summer).

(Mo. Rev. Stat. § 452.340 (2025).)

The judge may also extend the child support obligation beyond the 18th birthday for children who can't support themselves due to a physical or mental disability. (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 452.340(4) (2025).)

Montana

The age of majority in Montana is 18. (Mont. Code § 41-1-101 (2025).) The duty to pay child support generally ends when the child turns 18. However, if the child is in high school, the duty to pay support continues until the child turns 19 or graduates, whichever happens first. (Mont. Code § 40-4-208(5) (2025).)

When a child if financially dependent on the parent because of a disability, the duty to pay child support continues until the judge finds that the child is no longer disabled or is no longer financially dependent. (Mont. Code § 40-4-208(6) (2025).)

Parents may agree to extend support beyond what's required by statute. (Herrig v. Herrig, 648 P. 2d 758 (Mont. 1982).)

Nebraska

The age of majority in Nebraska is 19. (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 43-2101 (2025).) The duty to pay child support generally ends when the child turns 19. (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 42-372.01 (2022).)

Nebraska judges may not order postmajority support if either parent objects, even if the child has a mental or physical disability. (Zetterman v. Zetterman, 512 N.W. 2d 622 (Neb. 1994); Meyers v. Meyers, 383 N.W. 2d 784 (Neb. 1986).)

Nevada

The age of majority in Nevada is 18. (Nev. Rev. Stat. § 129.010 (2025).) The duty to pay child support generally ends when the child turns 18, but it continues until the child turns 19 if the child is in high school. Parents may agree to continue paying child support past age 18 or 19. (Nev. Rev. Stat. § 125C.0045 (2025).)

Parents must continue to support an adult child with a handicap until the child no longer has a handicap or becomes self-supporting. The handicap must have occurred before the age of majority. (Nev. Rev. Stat. § 125B.110 (2025).)

New Hampshire

The duty to pay child support generally ends when children turn 18 or complete their high school education, whichever comes later. A judge may order parents to pay postmajority support until the child turns 21 if the child has a disability. (N.H. Rev. Stat. § 461-A:14 (2025).)

Parents may agree to contribute to child's college expenses or other educational expenses beyond the completion of high school as part of a stipulated decree, signed by both parents and approved by the court. However, a judge may not order support for postsecondary education without the parents' agreement. (N.H. Rev. Stat. §§ 461-A:14; 461-A:21 (2025).)

New Jersey

In New Jersey the duty to pay child support generally ends when the child turns 19 unless otherwise ordered by the court.

A judge may order extended support until the child turns 23, as long as the child:

• is still enrolled in high school or another secondary educational program
• is a student in a post-secondary education program and is enrolled full time, or
• has a physical or mental disability that existed before age 19 and requires continued support.

The judge may order another form of financial maintenance for a child with disabilities older than 23. (N.J. Stat. § 2A:17-56.67 (2052).)

New Mexico

The age of majority in New Mexico is 18. (N.M. Stat. § 12-2A-3 (2025).) The duty to pay child support generally ends when the child turns 18 unless the child is in high school, in which case the duty ends when the child turns 19.

The judge may also order postmajority support when the parents have reached a written agreement to continue support. (N.M. Stat. § 40-4-7 (2025).)

Also, New Mexico judges may order postmajority support when a child has a severe disability that started before the child reached age 18. (Cohn v. Cohn, 934 P. 2d 279 (N.M. App. 1996; N.M. Stat. § 40-4-7(B)(4) (2025).)

New York

The age of majority in New York is 18. (N.Y. Dom Rel. Law § 2 (2025).) However, the duty to pay child support generally ends when the child turns 21, as long as the child hasn't been emancipated. (N.Y. Fam. Ct. Act § 413 (2025).)

A judge may order parents to pay for postsecondary educational expenses when it is in the best interests of the child, but only until the child turns 21. (N.Y. Fam. Ct. Act § 413(5)(B)(7) (2025); N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 240(1-b)(c)(7) (2022); Setford v. Cavanagh, 175 A.D. 2d 665 (N.Y. 1991).)

Judges may also order parents to pay support for an adult child with disabilities, but generally only until the child reaches age 21. After 21, the state is responsible for the support of the child. (N.Y. Fam. Ct. Act § 415 (2025); Beiter v. Beiter, 539 N.Y.S. 2d 271 (1989).)

North Carolina

The age of majority in North Carolina is 18. (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 25-1 (2025).) The duty to pay child support generally ends when the child turns 18. If the child is still in high school after turning 18, the duty to pay child support continues until the child graduates, stops going to school, or turns 20—whichever comes first. (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 50-13.4 (2025).)

Parents may agree to continue child support past the age of majority. (Barker v. Barker, 745 S.E. 2d 910 (N.C. App. 2013).)

In the past, judges would order support past the age of majority for a child who was mentally or physically incapable of self-support. However, parents are no longer required to support disabled adult children, regardless of their mental or physical incapacity, unless there is an enforceable agreement to do so. (Bridges v. Bridges, 85 (N.C. App. 1987).)

North Dakota

The age of majority in North Dakota is 18. The duty to pay child support generally ends when the child turns 18, but a judge may order support until the child turns 19 if the child is still in high school and living with the custodial parent. N.D. Cent. Code §§ 14-10-01; 14-10-02 (2025).)

The parents may agree to provide postmajority support, and judges may order postmajority support absent an agreement (N.D. Cent. Codes § 14-09-08.2; 14-09-08.2(2025).) Without an agreement, however, judges may not award postmajority child support for college expenses. (Larson v. Larson, 694 N.W. 2d 13 (N.D. 2005).)

In North Dakota, parents are required (to the extent of their abilities) to support adult children who can't support themselves, so judges may order support past the age of majority for children with disabilities. (N.D. Cent. Code § 14-09-10 (2025); Weidrich v. Weidrich, 179 N.W. 2d 728 (N.D. 1970).)

Ohio

The age of majority in Ohio is 18. (Ohio Rev. Code § 3109.01 (2025).) The duty to pay child support generally ends when the child turns 18 or becomes emancipated. However, until a child turns 19, a judge may order the parents to pay support as long as the child is in high school or for another specified reason. (Ohio Rev. Code § 3119.88 (2025).)

The duty to support a child with a mental or physical disability and who is incapable of self-support may continue indefinitely under a support order. The parents may also agree to continue to provide child support past the age of majority. (Ohio Rev. Code § 3119.86 (2025).)

Oklahoma

The age of majority in Oklahoma is 18. (Okla. Stat. tit. 15, § 13 (2025).) The duty to pay child support generally ends when the child turns 18. But if the child is enrolled in and attending high school or a high school equivalent, the support obligation continues until the child graduates or turns 20, whichever occurs first. (Okla. Stat. tit. 43, § 112(E) (2025).)

Judges may also order parents to support a child for an indefinite period of time when the child requires substantial care and personal supervision because of a mental physical disability (which existed before the child turned 18), and the child will not be able to self-support. (Okla. Stat. tit. 43, § 112.1A(B) (2025).)

Oregon

The age of majority in Oregon is 18. (Or. Rev. Stat. § 109.510 (2025).) The duty to pay child support generally ends when the child turns 18. However, judges may order parents to pay support to provide for the support or maintenance of a child who is:

• attending a qualified educational facility (at least half-time) and making satisfactory academic progress,
• unmarried, and
• between the ages of 18 and 21.

(Or. Rev. Stat. § 107.108 (2025).)

Parents may agree to provide support after age 21. (In re Marriage of Reeves, 238 P. 3d 427 (Or. App. 2010).)

Judges may require parents to provide support for adult children who are "poor and unable to work to maintain themselves." (Or. Rev. Stat. § 109.010 (2025).)

Pennsylvania

The age of majority in Pennsylvania is 18. (23 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5101 (2025).) The duty to pay child support generally ends when the child turns 18. However, if a child turns 18 before graduating from high school, the duty to pay child support continues until the child graduates. (Blue v. Blue, 616 A. 2d 628 (Pa. 1992).)

Parents are responsible for supporting an adult child who has a mental or physical handicap and is unable to self-support. The handicap must have arisen before the child reached the age of majority. (Hanson v. Hanson, 625 A. 2d 1212 (Pa. Super. 1993).)

Judges don't have the power to order parents to pay for postsecondary education unless the parents have reached an agreement to do so. (Reif v. Reif, 626 A. 2d 169 (Pa. Super. 1993).)

Rhode Island

The age of majority in Rhode Island is 18. (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-12-1 (2025).) The duty to pay child support generally ends when the child turns 18. However, judges may order parents to continue paying support beyond then for children who are still attending high school, until 90 days after graduation (but not beyond the child's 19^th birthday). (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-5-16.2 (2025).)

Judges may also order child support beyond the age of majority for children who have a severe physical or mental impairment and are still living with or under the care of a parent. The impairment must have begun before the child turned 18 (or was otherwise emancipated). (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-5-16.2 (2022).)

Parents may agree to postmajority support. (Calgano v. Calgano, 391 A. 2d 79, 82 (R.I. 1978).)

South Carolina

The age of majority in South Carolina is 18. (S.C. Code § 15-1-320 (2025).) The duty to pay child support generally ends when the child turns 18, unless the child is still attending high school. In that case, the duty ends when the child graduates or the end of the school year after the child reaches 19, whichever occurs first.

Parents may agree to pay postmajority support. Also, under exceptional circumstances, the judge may require a parent to pay for postsecondary education when there's evidence that (1) the characteristics of the child indicate that they'll benefit from college; (2) the child demonstrates the ability to do well, or at least make satisfactory grades; (3) the child can't otherwise go to school; and (4) the parent has the financial ability to help pay for the education. (Risinger v. Risinger, 253 S.E. 2d 652 (S.C. 1979); McLeod v. Starnes, 723 S.E. 2d 198 (S.C. 2012).)

When a child has physical or mental disabilities or other exceptional circumstances, the judge may order support past age 18 for as long as the disabilities or exceptional circumstances continue. (S.C. Code § 63-3-530 (2025).)

South Dakota

The age of majority in South Dakota is 18. (S.D. Codified Laws § 26-1-1 (2025).) The duty to pay child support generally ends when the child turns 18, or when the child turns 19 if the child is a full-time student in a secondary school. (S.D. Codified Laws § 25-5-18.1 (2025).)

Parents have a duty to support adult children who are unable to support themselves. (Mower v. Mower, 199 N.W. 42 (S.D. 1938).)

Parents may agree to provide postmajority support. (Miller v. Jacobsen, 714 N.W. 2d 69 (S.D. 2006).)

Tennessee

The age of majority in Tennessee is 18. (Tenn. Code § 1-3-105 (2025).) The duty to pay child support generally ends when the child turns 18. But if the child is still in high school, the duty continues until the child graduates (or the child's classmates graduate). (Tenn. Code § 34-1-102 (2025).)

Judges may order that child support continue until age 21 for children who have a disability. However, that age limit won't apply if the child has a severe disability and is living under the care and supervision of a parent, as long as the parent has the means to pay and the judge finds that continued support is in the child's best interests. The disability must have arisen before the child turned 18. (Tenn. Code § 36-5-101(k) (2025).)

Parents may agree to take on greater child support obligations than required under law and, when they do, the agreement can be enforced like any other contract. (Lopez v. Taylor, 195 S.W. 3d 627 (Tenn. App. 2005).)

Texas

The age of majority in Texas is 18. (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 129.001 (2025).) The duty to pay child support generally ends when the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever happens later. (Tex. Fam. Code §§ 154.001(a)(1); 154.002 (2025).)

However, if the child has a disability, the judge may order the parents to pay support for an indefinite period. (Tex. Fam. Code § 154.001(a)(4) (2025).)

Texas judges may not order support to pay for postsecondary education unless the parents signed an agreement to pay. (Burtch v. Burtch, 972 S.W. 2d 882 (Tex. App. 1998).)

Utah

In Utah, parents' obligation to support their children generally ends when the children turn 18 or are otherwise emancipated, married, or in the military. (Utah Code § R527-250-8 (1) (2025).)

The support duty continues for:

• children who are 18 or older and are still enrolled in high school during the school year when graduation would normally be expected, or
• adult children who are incapacitated and can't support themselves.

(Utah Code § 78B-12-219 (2025).)

Also, Utah courts have held that judges may order support for 19- or 20-year-old children when that support is necessary due to special or unusual circumstances—such as when the child is attending postsecondary school. (Harris v. Harris, 585 P. 2d 435 (Utah 1978).)

Vermont

The age of majority in Vermont is 18. (Vt. Stat. tit. 1, § 173 (2025).) The duty to pay child support generally ends when the child turns 18 or ends secondary education, whichever happens later. (Vt. Stat. tit. 15, § 658 (2025).)

Parents may agree to extend support, but judges may not order support past secondary school on their own. (Cavallari v. Martin, 732 A. 2d 739 (Vt. 1999).)

However, parents have a duty to support children who can't support themselves beyond the age of majority. (Rowell v. Town of Vershire, 19 A. 990 (Vt. 1890).)

Virginia

The age of majority in Virginia is 18. (Va. Code § 1-204 (2025).) The duty to pay child support generally ends when the child turns 18, but it will continue until either graduation or when the child turns 19 when the child is a full-time high school student, isn't self-supporting, and is living in the custodial parent's home. (Va. Code §§ 20-60.3; 20-124.2 (2025).)

The judge may also order that support continue for any child over age 18 who has a severe and permanent mental or physical disability, if the disability existed before the child reached age 18 (or 19 if they were in high school). The child must be unable to self-support and be living in the home of the parent seeking or receiving child support. (Va. Code § 20-60.3 (2025).)

Virginia courts will uphold parents' agreements to extend support past the age of majority. (See, for example, McCaw v. McCaw, 403 S.E. 2d 8 (Va. App. 1991).)

Washington

The age of majority in Washington is 18. (Wash. Rev. Code § 26.28.010 (2025).) The duty to pay child support generally ends when the child turns 18. If the child is still in high school, however, the judge may extend the support order beyond that point until the child completes high school. (Wash. Rev. Code § 26.09.170 (2025).)

Washington judges may order support for postsecondary education, but the child must be dependent on the parents for the reasonable necessities of life. Judges may determine whether adult children are relying on the parents for the reasonable necessities of life, based on:

• the child's age and needs
• the parents' expectations for their children when they were together
• the child's prospects, desires, aptitudes, abilities or disabilities
• the nature of the postsecondary education sought, and
• the parents' level of education, standard of living, and resources.

The judge may not order parents to pay for postsecondary educational expenses beyond the child's 23^rd birthday, unless there are exceptional circumstances, such as mental, physical, or emotional disabilities. (Wash. Rev. Code § 26.19.090 (2025).)

Parents in Washington have a duty to support "dependent" children, a category that likely includes adult children with disabilities. (Childers v. Childers, 575 P. 2d 201 (Wash. 1978); Wash. Rev. Code §§ 26.09.100; 26.19.035(1)(f) (2025).)

West Virginia

The age of majority in West Virginia is 18. (W.Va. Code § 2-2-10(aa) (2025).) The duty to pay child support generally ends when the child turns 18, except when the child is unmarried, living with a parent or guardian, enrolled in a secondary educational or vocational program, and making substantial progress towards a diploma. When this exception applies, the judge may order support to continue until the child turns 20. (W.Va. Code § 48-11-103(a) (2025).)

Parents may be required to pay support past the age of 18 when the child is unable to self-support due to a mental or physical handicap. (Kinder v. Schlaegel, 404 S.E. 2d 545 (W.Va. 1991).) The handicap must have occurred before the child became emancipated. (Casdorph v. Casdorph, 460 S.E. 2d 736 (W.Va. 1995).)

Wisconsin

The age of majority in Wisconsin is 18. (Wis. Stat. § 54.01 (2025).) The duty to pay child support generally ends when the child turns 18, except when the child is under 19 and pursuing a high school diploma or its equivalent. (Wis. Stat. § 767.511(4) (2025).)

Parents can agree to pay for postsecondary education, and the courts will enforce those agreements. (Bliwas v. Bliwas, 178 N.W. 2d 35 (Wis. 1970).)

If it's in the best interests of the child, a judge may order that a portion of child support be set aside in a separate fund or trust for the support, education, and welfare of the child. (Wis. Stat. § 767.511(2) (2025).)

Parents in Wisconsin don't have a duty to support adult children who are unable to support themselves. (Wis. Stat. § 49.90 (2025).)

Wyoming

The age of majority in Wyoming is 18. (Wyo. Stat. § 14-1-101 (2025).) The duty to pay child support generally ends when the child turns 18. (Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-313 (2025).) However, parents' duty to support their child continues past the age of majority if the child is:

• under the age of 20 and attending high school full time, or
• incapable of self-support because of a mental or physical disability.

(Wyo. Stat. § 14-2-204 (2025).)