Child support is one of the most important financial responsibilities that follows a divorce or conservatorship case in Texas. It ensures that children continue to receive the care, education, and stability they need, even when their parents live apart. But many parents eventually wonder when that obligation will end. In most cases, child support in Texas ends when a child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later, though certain exceptions may extend the obligation.

At Rojas Law Firm, we help parents understand their rights and responsibilities under Texas child support law. Whether you are paying or receiving support, knowing when payments legally stop (and when they may continue) can help you plan for the future.

The Standard Rule: When the Child Turns 18 or Graduates

Under Texas Family Code §154.001, the general rule is straightforward: child support continues until the child turns 18 years old or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later.

This means if your child is still enrolled in high school at age 18, you must continue paying child support until they finish school. For example, if your child turns 18 in February but graduates in May, you’ll typically continue making payments through graduation.

However, if your child graduates before turning 18, support generally ends upon their 18th birthday.

It’s important to note that support does not automatically stop—you usually need a court order to formally end payments. Without this step, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) or your employer’s payroll department may continue withholding funds.

When Child Support May Continue Beyond Age 18

While 18 (or high school graduation) is the standard endpoint, Texas law allows for extended child support in specific situations, particularly when the child has special needs.

Children With Disabilities

If a child is disabled, physically or mentally, and unable to support themselves, child support may continue indefinitely.
Under Texas Family Code §154.302, the court can order ongoing support for a child who:

• Requires substantial care or personal supervision due to a physical or mental disability;
• Cannot financially support themselves; and
• Had the disability before turning 18.

This support is typically paid to the parent or guardian who provides daily care. The court may also direct funds to a special needs trust to ensure proper management of the child’s financial support.

Agreed Extended Support

In some cases, parents may voluntarily agree to extend child support beyond the standard timeframe. For example, they might include terms in their divorce decree or settlement agreement that cover college expenses, vocational training, or healthcare after high school.

While Texas courts cannot order child support for adult children pursuing college, parents are free to make such arrangements voluntarily.

When Child Support May End Early

There are a few circumstances where a parent’s child support obligation may end before the child reaches 18 or graduates from high school.

Marriage or Emancipation

If the child marries, joins the military, or is otherwise legally emancipated before turning 18, child support obligations end. Emancipation grants the minor adult legal status, which means they are no longer considered financially dependent on their parents.

Death of the Child

Sadly, if a child passes away, support payments end immediately.

Change in Custody (Conservatorship)

If the child begins living primarily with the parent who has been paying support, and the court approves a modification of child conservatorship, the paying parent may petition to terminate or adjust the order.

However, you cannot simply stop paying without a court modification. Until a new order is signed, the old one remains enforceable.

Past-Due Support (Arrears)

Even when child support ends, past-due payments do not disappear. If a parent has fallen behind, they are still legally responsible for the unpaid amount, plus interest.

Texas law allows enforcement actions for unpaid child support long after the child reaches adulthood. The receiving parent, or the Texas Attorney General, can continue pursuing collection through wage garnishment, license suspension, or even liens against property.

How to Stop Child Support Legally

Once your child has reached the age or condition that ends support, you should take steps to ensure payments are correctly stopped.

The most reliable way is to file a Motion to Terminate Withholding with the court that issued the original order. The court will confirm that all conditions for ending support have been met and issue an order to stop income withholding.

If the OAG is managing your payments, they can also review your case to verify eligibility for termination. Never assume your employer or the state will automatically stop deductions; it’s always best to confirm in writing.

How Rojas Law Firm Can Help

Understanding when and how child support ends can prevent costly mistakes. Failing to seek termination through the proper channels can lead to overpayment or enforcement actions, even after your obligation has legally ended.

At Rojas Law Firm, we help parents across Texas handle all aspects of child support, from establishing and modifying orders to terminating payments when the time comes. Our attorneys ensure your rights are protected while maintaining compliance with Texas Family Code requirements.

If your child is nearing adulthood, or if you have questions about ending or modifying your child support order, contact our team today. We can review your current order, confirm whether your obligation should continue, and file the necessary documents to protect your financial and legal interests.

Call 210-299-4600 or contact us online to schedule your consultation with Rojas Law Firm. We’re here to help you move forward with confidence and peace of mind.