How Child Support Ends in Georgia: Emancipation, Termination Orders and What to File
Georgia child support for a minor child ends at majority, marriage, emancipation or death, whichever comes first. The statutes we read describe no step that stops income deduction by itself, so ask the court or agency, and past-due support stays owed.
Does child support end automatically in Georgia?
The duty to support a minor child ends by the terms of the statute at the earliest of majority, death, marriage or emancipation (O.C.G.A. 19-6-15(e)). The statutes we read do not describe a step that ends income deduction by itself, so do not assume it: ask the court or the agency to stop the deduction and keep proof of the event.
What events end child support in Georgia?
| Event | What happens |
|---|---|
| Child reaches 18 | The duty to support a minor child ends |
| Child marries | The duty ends on marriage if it comes first |
| Child becomes emancipated | The duty ends on emancipation if it comes first |
| Child dies | The duty ends |
| Secondary school student past 18 | The court may direct assistance, never past 20 (orders on or after July 1, 1992) |
| Past-due support | Stays owed as judgments |
How is a child emancipated in Georgia?
The child support statute lists emancipation as an ending event but we did not find a definition in the sections we read. If you think your child is emancipated, ask a licensed Georgia attorney how the courts treat your facts before you stop paying.
What do you file to end an order?
Ask the court to end or modify the order and the income deduction, with proof of the event. A petition for modification is filed under the same rules as divorce proceedings (19-6-15(k)(4)), and the agency can help in IV-D cases. See how to modify child support in Georgia.
Do arrears stay owed after support ends?
Yes. Each installment that became a judgment by operation of law stays owed (19-6-17(e)). Check the balance in the Georgia arrears calculator and the date in the Georgia child support end date calculator.
What dates should you calendar?
| Child born | Support usually ends (18) | Secondary school assistance limit (20) |
|---|---|---|
| March 15, 2012 | March 15, 2030 | March 15, 2032 |
| August 31, 2010 | August 31, 2028 | August 31, 2030 |
| November 2, 2015 | November 2, 2033 | November 2, 2035 |
A marriage, emancipation or death earlier than these dates ends the duty on that event.
Who can ask the court to enforce or end an order?
The child support provisions can be enforced by either parent, a nonparent custodian, a guardian appointed to receive support, or the child (19-6-15(e)). Either parent can ask the court to modify an order when the facts change; see how to modify child support in Georgia.
What should you do when a triggering event happens?
- Write down the date of the marriage, emancipation order or death and keep the document.
- Tell the other parent and the Division of Child Support Services in writing, if it is involved, and ask for the income deduction to stop.
- Ask the court to update or end the order if the other parent does not agree.
- Pay or arrange any past-due balance: it stays owed and accrues 7% interest.
What mistakes cause problems when support ends?
- Stopping payments when an event happens without checking the order and asking the court.
- Assuming the income deduction ends by itself.
- Missing the chance to ask for a modification before the date.
- Forgetting that past-due support and interest are still collectible.
Frequently asked questions
Does child support end automatically in Georgia?
The duty ends at majority, marriage, emancipation or death by the terms of the statute, but ask the court or the agency to stop any income deduction.
Does marriage end Georgia child support?
Yes, the duty to support a minor child ends when the child marries if that comes first.
What ends Georgia child support besides turning 18?
Death, marriage or emancipation of the child, whichever first occurs.
How do I end a Georgia child support order?
Ask the court to end or modify it with proof of the event, under the same procedure as other modifications.
Do Georgia arrears stay owed after support ends?
Yes. Installments that became judgments stay owed.
Official sources
- O.C.G.A. 19-6-15(e): duration of child support responsibility
- O.C.G.A. 39-1-1: age of legal majority
- O.C.G.A. 19-6-17: judgments by operation of law
- O.C.G.A. 19-6-32: income deduction orders
A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Georgia statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Georgia attorney.