How Child Support Ends in Louisiana: Emancipation, Termination Orders and What to File
Louisiana child support ends automatically at majority or emancipation without action by the obligor, but withholding does not stop by itself. Ask the court or DCFS, and past-due support stays owed.
Does child support end automatically in Louisiana?
Yes at majority or emancipation: the award terminates automatically without any action by the obligor (La. R.S. 9:315.22(A)). But the sections we read describe no step that stops income withholding by itself. Ask the court or DCFS to end it and keep proof of the date.
What events end child support in Louisiana?
| Event | What happens |
|---|---|
| Child attains majority (18) | The award terminates automatically without action by the obligor |
| Child is emancipated | The award terminates automatically |
| Unmarried, dependent, full-time secondary student | Continues automatically until the child attains 19 |
| Developmental disability, motion before majority | Continues to 22 while a full-time secondary student |
| Income withholding | Stays until the court or DCFS ends it |
| Past-due support | Stays owed |
What is emancipation in Louisiana?
The statute refers to emancipation relieving the child of the disabilities attached to minority; the sections we read do not list its causes. If your child marries or is emancipated before 18, ask a licensed Louisiana attorney to confirm and do not stop paying until the order is ended or the court confirms.
What does an award in globo mean?
A single award for two or more children, not divided per child. It terminates only when the youngest child attains majority or is emancipated (9:315.22(B)), so an older child turning 18 does not lower an in globo award by itself. Ask the court to modify if the amount should change.
What do you file to end an order?
A rule or motion to terminate or modify, with proof of the event. A modification reaches back only to the date of judicial demand (9:315.21(C)), so file as soon as the event happens. See how to modify child support in Louisiana.
Do arrears stay owed after support ends?
Yes. Installments already owed stay owed. Check the balance in the Louisiana arrears calculator and the date in the Louisiana child support end date calculator.
Can I get a refund if I overpaid after the end date?
Ask the court or DCFS for a credit in writing with proof of the date. The sections we read do not describe an automatic refund, so keep records of every payment after the child reached majority.
Who must serve the termination request?
Serve the other parent and, if DCFS is providing services, DCFS, so the order and the employer notice are both updated. Keep proof of service, because a modification reaches back only to the date of judicial demand (9:315.21(C)).
What if both parents agree support is over?
Put it in a consent judgment signed by the court. A private understanding does not stop the withholding or the arrears clock, and the award terminating automatically does not by itself tell the employer or DCFS to stop.
How soon should I send the proof of the birth date?
Send the birth certificate with your written request as soon as the child nears majority, so DCFS or the court can stop the withholding at the right pay date. Keep a copy and the delivery proof.
What mistakes cause problems when support ends?
- Stopping payments on an event without asking the court.
- Assuming the withholding ends by itself.
- Missing the motion deadline before majority for a developmentally disabled child.
- Forgetting that an in globo award continues until the youngest child ends.
Frequently asked questions
Does child support end automatically in Louisiana?
Yes at majority or emancipation, but ask the court or DCFS to end income withholding.
Does an in globo Louisiana award drop when the oldest child turns 18?
No. It terminates when the youngest child attains majority or is emancipated.
How do I end a Louisiana child support order?
File a rule or motion with proof of the event; a modification reaches back only to judicial demand.
Does Louisiana child support end if the child marries?
Marriage ends the secondary student extension, which requires an unmarried child; ask a licensed attorney about the base award.
Do Louisiana arrears stay owed after support ends?
Yes. They stay owed.
Official sources
- La. R.S. 9:315.22: termination at majority or emancipation; exceptions
- La. R.S. 9:315.14: disabled children; proof and pleadings
- La. R.S. 9:311: modification
- La. R.S. 9:311.1: suspension during incarceration
- La. R.S. 9:315.21: retroactivity
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 Louisiana statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Louisiana attorney.