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

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

In Michigan, child support ends at 18, but the court may order it for a full-time high school student expecting to graduate, never after 19 years and 6 months, and the order must end on the last day of a specified month.

What is the child support age limit in Michigan?

Eighteen for a minor child. A court that orders child support may order support after the child reaches 18 only as the statute provides (MCL 552.605b(1)).

What if the child is still in high school at 18?

The court may order support for the time the child is regularly attending high school on a full-time basis with a reasonable expectation of completing sufficient credits to graduate, while residing full-time with the recipient of support or at an institution, but in no case after the child reaches 19 years and 6 months (552.605b(2)).

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

How must a Michigan order be worded?

A support order entered under this rule must include a provision that support terminates on the last day of a specified month, regardless of the actual graduation date (552.605b(3)). So a senior who graduates in June is usually covered through the month named in the order, and a delayed graduation does not extend it.

Is the Michigan extension automatic?

No. The statute says the court may order it, and a complaint or motion requesting support under this rule may be filed any time before the child reaches 19 years and 6 months. If your order ends at 18, ask before the child turns 18 if you can, because a request can only look forward.

Can parents agree to more?

Yes. A provision for support after 18 is valid and enforceable if it is in the judgment or order by agreement of the parties stated in the order, approved by the parties or attorneys, signed in writing or stated on the record (552.605b(5)).

Does a 19th birthday end the extension earlier than 19 and a half?

No. The statute’s outer limit is 19 years and 6 months, but the order must name a month, so the order ends on that month’s last day. Ask for the month that fits the expected graduation.

What happens if the child lives with neither parent?

The high school rule requires the child to reside full-time with the recipient of support or at an institution (552.605b(2)). A child living elsewhere, for example on their own, falls outside it, so keep proof of residence.

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

The order ends at 18 unless extended, but withholding keeps running until it is stopped. Ask the court or the friend of the court to end it in writing and keep proof of the child’s birth date. See how to modify child support in Michigan.

Do arrears end when child support ends?

No. Installments already owed are judgments and stay owed (MCL 552.603(2)). See the Michigan child support arrears calculator and how long arrears last.

Frequently asked questions

Official sources

• MCL 552.605b: child support after 18
• MCL 552.603: judgment; retroactive modification
• MCL 552.517f: abatement during incarceration
• MCL 552.517: review

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