Child support obligations generally terminate, as provided by the child support order from the court, when the child reaches the age of majority (18 in most states). If a parent is obligated to pay child support and the child becomes emancipated before reaching the age of majority in the state (usually 18), the parent may no longer have to pay child support. But the child support obligation in this circumstance does not terminate automatically, and the parent generally must seek an order terminating the support obligation from the court that issued the child support order. And if the child has special needs (health care, living, education), the parent may be required to pay child support even after the child reaches the age of majority or is emancipated.

In Missouri, child support obligations typically end when a child reaches the age of majority, which is 18 years old, or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later, but not beyond the age of 21. However, if a child becomes emancipated before reaching the age of majority, the parent's obligation to pay child support does not automatically cease. The parent must petition the court that issued the original child support order to seek termination of the obligation. Emancipation can occur through marriage, joining the military, or by court order. Additionally, if a child has special needs, Missouri law may require the parent to continue support past the age of majority. This could include situations where the child has significant health care, living, or educational needs that necessitate ongoing support. An attorney can provide guidance on how to proceed with modifying or terminating child support obligations under these circumstances.