How Long Does Child Support Last in New Jersey?

If you’re a parent dealing with child support in New Jersey, whether you’re paying or receiving, you likely want to know: How long will the obligation last? The answer may seem straightforward, but in reality, there are several rules and exceptions you should understand. For help dealing with a child support issue or other family law matter in Union, Essex, or Middlesex County, contact the Law Office of John B. D’Alessandro to speak with a skilled and knowledgeable Union child support lawyer.

Child Support Duration: The Basic Rule

Under New Jersey law, the default rule is that a child support obligation ends when the child reaches 19 years of age, unless certain exceptions apply. The law establishes a “termination of child support” date of the child’s 19th birthday unless the court order or statute provides otherwise. In other words, without anything special in the order, once the child turns 19, the support obligation ends by operation of law.

Important Exceptions When Support Lasts Longer

There are several common scenarios in which child support continues beyond age 19:

• Child still in high school or in full-time post‐secondary education: If a child is still enrolled in high school or full-time in college or vocational school, a custodial parent can file a “Request for Continuation of Support” so the support obligation may continue.

• Child has a physical or mental disability: If the child has a disability that existed before they turned 19 and requires continued support, the child support order can be extended.

• A court order specifies a later termination date: Sometimes the divorce judgment or support order sets a later end date (for example, the child’s college graduation date or some other event). In that case, that date controls.

• Out-of-home placement under DCP&P: If the child is in placement through the state’s child protection unit, support may continue past 19 up to age 23 with a proper request.

In these situations, child support may continue up to the child’s 23rd birthday as a general cap for non-disabled children. Yet even beyond age 23, support can continue if the child is severely physically or mentally incapacitated and dependent on the parent, though that payment may be treated differently or as “financial maintenance” rather than strictly child support in the probation system.

Automatic Termination Events

Child support ends automatically on certain events, even before or independent of age 19. These include:

• The child marries.
• The child dies.
• The child enlists in military service (under certain conditions).
• The child becomes financially independent or emancipated (depending on how it’s defined).

Note: Even when the support obligation ends, any arrears (past-due child support) remain owed and enforceable.

What You Should Do to Continue Support (or Know When It Ends)

If you are the custodial parent and you believe that support should continue beyond age 19 under an exception (school, disability, etc.), you must file the required Request for Continuation of Support form (or equivalent motion) with supporting evidence at least 45 days before the child turns 19.

If you are the non-custodial parent and see that the child is nearing 19, or an auto-termination notice is sent, you should monitor the status and ensure you’re aware of any request for continuation. If a continuation is denied, you’ll get notice.

It is also wise to review your original support order: if it sets a later termination date (for example, “child support shall continue until the child graduates college or turns 22”), that date controls unless modified.

Summary of Child Support Termination Ages & Conditions

In most cases, child support in New Jersey ends automatically when the child turns 19, unless an exception applies. However, the law recognizes that every family’s situation is different, and several circumstances can extend support beyond that age.

If the child is still in high school or attending college full-time, support may continue past the 19th birthday as long as the custodial parent submits a timely request and provides proof of the child’s ongoing education. Support can also extend if the child has a physical or mental disability that began before age 19 and continues to prevent the child from becoming self-supporting. In these cases, payments may continue until the child turns 23, or even longer if the disability is severe enough to require lifelong care.

Support may also last longer if the original court order specifies a later termination date, such as upon the child’s college graduation or when they reach age 22. In that situation, the court’s order takes precedence over the default age-based rule.

On the other hand, some events can cause support to end earlier than the child’s 19th birthday. These include the child getting married, joining the military, or becoming financially independent (what the law refers to as “emancipation”). Naturally, child support also ends if the child passes away.

The key takeaway is that while the age of 19 is the general rule for termination, exceptions based on education, disability, or other life circumstances can extend the obligation, and certain life events can end it sooner. Parents should pay close attention to their specific court order and any notices from the state to avoid misunderstandings or missed deadlines.

Why This Matters

Understanding exactly when a child support obligation ends is important for both parents:

• The paying parent knows when and if their obligation will cease, allowing financial planning.

• The receiving parent ensures they don’t lose funding too soon and potentially misses out on a continuation they could request.

• Both parents can avoid surprises, such as paying past the required date or having support cut off prematurely.

Contact Union Family Law Attorney John B. D’Alessandro

In New Jersey, child support doesn’t usually end at 18 as you might expect; it typically ends at 19 unless one of several exceptions applies. It may continue until age 23, or even beyond in cases of disability. Every case is unique, so reviewing your specific support order, life circumstances, and possible exceptions is essential.

If you are dealing with the end of a child support obligation or believe it should continue, consulting with a family law attorney at the Law Offices of John B. D’Alessandro can help ensure your rights and responsibilities are clear. We serve families in Union, Essex, and Middlesex counties and are ready to guide you through the process. Contact us today.