Child support obligations generally end when the child reaches the age of majority as defined by state law (usually 18-21) or graduates from high school. If a child joins the military or gets married before reaching the age of majority, or successfully petitions the court for emancipation (“to remove the disabilities of minority”), the child will be emancipated and child support obligations will usually be terminated. 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) or has not graduated from high school by the age of majority, 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 when the child graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. However, if the child is still attending high school upon reaching 18, support continues until the child completes high school or turns 21, whichever first occurs. If a child joins the military, gets married before reaching the age of majority, or is legally emancipated, the child is considered to be self-supporting, and the parent's obligation for child support may be terminated. However, this termination is not automatic; the parent must file a motion with the court that issued the original child support order to officially end the support obligation. Additionally, if the child has special needs, the court may order child support to continue beyond the age of majority. An attorney can provide guidance on how to proceed with modifying or terminating child support obligations under these circumstances.