Child Support Past 18 in Illinois: High School Graduation and Age Limits

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

In Illinois, child support ends at emancipation, usually the 18th birthday. If the child is 18 and still in high school, it ends at graduation or the 19th birthday, whichever is earlier, unless the order or a written agreement says otherwise.

What is the child support age limit in Illinois?

Unless the Act, the parties’ written agreement or the judgment provides otherwise, support for a child ends on emancipation. If the child has reached 18 and is still attending high school, support ends on the date the child graduates or turns 19, whichever is earlier (750 ILCS 5/510(d)). For most children the practical date is the 18th birthday.

Does child support continue through high school in Illinois?

Yes, to graduation or the 19th birthday, whichever comes first, for a child who is 18 and still attending high school. The guideline section also treats any child under 18, and any child under 19 still in high school, as a “child” for the guideline calculation (505, text published by HFS).

What date does Illinois child support end? Examples

The usual end date is the 18th birthday, and the cap for a high school student is the 19th:

Try your own date in the Illinois child support end date calculator.

What if the order or agreement says something different?

The rule applies “unless otherwise provided in this Act, or as agreed in writing or expressly provided in the judgment”, so a settlement can set a different end date or event. Read your judgment before assuming 18.

Can anything run past 19 for a high school student?

For child support itself, no: the statute stops it at graduation or the 19th birthday. The educational expense authority is different: it extends to any period during which the child is still attending high school, even after turning 19 (513(c)). Ask for it before the expenses arise.

Does death of a parent end child support?

No. An existing obligation to pay support or educational expenses is not terminated by the death of a parent, and the amount may be enforced, modified, revoked or commuted to a lump sum as equity requires (510(d)).

Does the graduation date matter if the child turns 19 first?

Yes, and the earlier event wins. A child who turns 19 before graduating has support end on the 19th birthday; a child who graduates before 19 has it end on graduation. Keep the diploma or enrollment record, because the date of graduation is what you will need to show the court or the Department (510(d)).

Do I have to file to end child support at 18?

The statute ends the duty at the stated event, but withholding keeps running until it is stopped. Ask the court or the Department to end it in writing, and keep proof of the child’s birth date and graduation. See how to modify child support in Illinois.

Do arrears end when child support ends?

No. Installments already owed stay owed. See the Illinois child support arrears calculator and how long arrears last.

Frequently asked questions

Official sources

• 750 ILCS 5/510(d): termination of child support
• 750 ILCS 5/513: educational expenses for a non-minor child
• 750 ILCS 5/513.5: support for a non-minor child with a disability
• 750 ILCS 5/505: child support guidelines
• HFS: text of 750 ILCS 5/505

This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Illinois statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Illinois attorney.