Child Support Past 18 in Nebraska: The Age of Majority Is 19

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

In Nebraska, child support generally runs to age 19, the age of majority, unless the child marries or the decree says otherwise. A court cannot order support past majority in a dissolution but can enforce a settlement that does.

What is the child support age limit in Nebraska?

Nineteen. All persons under 19 are declared minors, but a person who marries under 19 ceases to be a minor on marriage (Neb. Rev. Stat. 43-2101(1)). Child support in a dissolution action runs to the age of majority, which is later than the 18 used in most states.

Does support stop at 18 in Nebraska?

Generally no. Because a person is a minor until 19, the support duty runs to the 19th birthday unless the decree sets a different date.

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

Does a high school student get support past 19?

We found no provision in the sections we read that extends court-ordered support past majority for a student. The annotations to section 42-364 say the statute does not let a dissolution court order support beyond the age of majority, though the court can enforce an approved settlement that does (42-364).

What ends support before 19?

Marriage, which ends minority (43-2101(1)), and whatever event your decree names. Read the decree, and ask a licensed Nebraska attorney about other events, because the sections we read do not list them.

Is the 19 rule the same in every part of Nebraska law?

Not necessarily. Some enforcement definitions use different ages (for example, section 43-1401 defines a child as under 18 for its purposes), so read the statute your order or notice cites. For support under a dissolution decree, majority is 19.

What if the child turns 19 before graduating from high school?

The age of majority is still 19, so court-ordered support generally ends then, subject to your decree (43-2101). If you want support through graduation, put it in a settlement the court approves.

Is a 19-year-old in school still a minor for support?

Under 19 is the line in the statute (43-2101(1)); at 19 the person is an adult even if still in school. A settlement can provide otherwise.

Can I ask for support to continue after a child turns 19?

A dissolution court cannot order it, but you can ask the other parent to agree and ask the court to approve the agreement (annotations to 42-364). Start the conversation before the 19th birthday.

Why do some Nebraska notices say 18?

Different statutes define a child differently for their own purposes; the enforcement definition in 43-1401 uses under 18 for some provisions (43-1401). If you get a notice that mentions 18, ask the sender which statute it relies on and read your decree for the actual end date.

Do I have to file to end child support at 19?

The order runs to its date, but withholding keeps running until it is stopped. Ask the court or the department in writing and keep proof of the child’s birth date. See how to modify child support in Nebraska.

Do arrears end when child support ends?

No. Installments already owed stay owed and draw simple interest (42-358.02). See the Nebraska child support arrears calculator and how long arrears last.

Frequently asked questions

Official sources

• Neb. Rev. Stat. 43-2101: minors under 19
• Neb. Rev. Stat. 42-364: child support in dissolution actions
• Neb. Rev. Stat. 42-358.02: interest on delinquent support
• Neb. Rev. Stat. 43-1722: withholding

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