Frequently Asked Questions

Does my support order automatically end when my child reaches age 18?

No, effective February 1, 2017, the statutory age of termination in New Jersey is 19. Once your child turns 18 and/or becomes financial independent, either you or the other parent may file papers with the court asking that the child be “emancipated.” Based on the facts, the court will decide if the child still needs support from the parents. If there is no court order specifying a date, age or circumstance when support stops, child support may terminate automatically when the child turns 19. A custodial parent may request that support continue if they can prove that the child is still in high school, enrolled full-time in post-secondary education or physically or mentally disabled.