When Does Child Support End in Texas?

According to Texas family law, child support ends when the child becomes 18 years old or when he/she graduates high school—whichever comes later.

However, there are several exceptions to this law.

First, if an adult child has a mental or physical disability that requires constant medical care, child support can continue for an indefinite period. State law says the court will consider the adult child’s existing and future medical needs, the amount of care each parent must provide, each parent’s financial resources, and any other programs that may provide financial assistance to care for the disabled child.

The second exception is if the child becomes legally emancipated prior to turning 18. A minor can become emancipated at age 16 or 17 by getting married, joining the U.S. military, or by petitioning the court to be complimentary from parental control.

Other exceptions include when the child passes away or when the paying parent suffers a significant medical crisis.

Keep in mind, when a child turns 18 or graduates high school, child support does not automatically end. Once you check your final order and confirm that you should stop paying child support, you must contact the Child Support Division of the Attorney General’s office, where either a stop payment can be issued or a letter to stop withholding income can be sent to your employer.

If you are interested in ending or modifying a child support order in Fort Worth, contact The Clark Law Firm today at (817) 435-4970 and schedule a complimentary consultation.