How Child Support Ends in New Hampshire: Emancipation, Termination Orders and What to File
New Hampshire child support terminates without further legal action at 18, marriage, military service or emancipation, or at graduation for a full-time student, but income assignment continues until arrears are paid.
Does child support end automatically in New Hampshire?
The statute says the obligation terminates without further legal action once the child reaches the stated point (RSA 461-A:14, IV), but income assignment keeps running until it is stopped. Ask the department or court in writing and keep proof of the date.
What events end child support in New Hampshire?
| Event | What happens |
|---|---|
| Child reaches 18 (not a full-time student) | Support ends |
| Full-time student at 18 | Ends at graduation or 2 months after the 19th birthday, whichever is first |
| Child marries or joins the armed services | Support ends |
| Emancipation order (RSA 461-B) | Support ends |
| Child with disabilities | May continue; newer orders end at 21 or when the child no longer qualifies |
| Past-due support | Stays owed; assignment continues |
What does the department do when support ends?
It provides for termination of the assignment in cases payable through it where the support obligation has terminated and arrears, if any, have been paid (RSA 458-B:10). If arrears remain, the assignment stays in effect until they are eliminated (458-B:4, III).
What if the order says something different?
Read it. The statute describes the default and the order may state a different date for several children or special terms. A stepped-down amount stated in the order takes effect without further legal action (461-A:14, IV-a).
What do you file to end an order?
A petition to terminate or modify with proof of the event, and notice to the other parent. A change reaches only from notice (458-C:7, II), so file as soon as the event happens. See how to modify child support in New Hampshire.
Do arrears stay owed after support ends?
Yes. Each payment is a judgment when due (461-A:14, VI) and a lien arises for arrears. Check the balance in the New Hampshire arrears calculator and the date in the New Hampshire child support end date calculator.
Can the income assignment be suspended?
In cases where the state is not paying public assistance, the court suspends the assignment where there is a written agreement between the parents that the court or administrative body approves, and may require a dedicated checking account (RSA 458-B:2). That is a payment arrangement, not a way to end support.
What if support was paid after the child aged out?
Ask the court or the department in writing for a credit and keep proof of every payment after the date. The sections we read describe no automatic refund.
How should I ask to end the assignment?
In writing to the department or court, with the child’s birth date and proof of graduation, marriage or the other event, and keep a copy. The department ends it when the obligation has terminated and arrears are paid (458-B:10).
Who should be told when support ends?
The court, the department if it collects your payments and your employer’s payroll office if it withholds. Send each a written request with the proof.
What mistakes cause problems when support ends?
- Stopping payments on an event without asking the court or the department.
- Assuming the income assignment ends by itself.
- Missing that a full-time student at 18 is still covered.
- Forgetting that past-due support is still owed.
Frequently asked questions
Does child support end automatically in New Hampshire?
The obligation terminates without further legal action at the stated point, but ask the department to end income assignment.
Does marriage end New Hampshire child support?
Yes. The amount remains as stated in the order only until the child marries, among other events.
How do I end a New Hampshire child support order?
File a petition with proof of the event; a change reaches only from notice.
Does a New Hampshire income assignment stop when support ends?
Only when the arrears are paid; the department ends it once the obligation has terminated and arrears are paid.
Do New Hampshire arrears stay owed after support ends?
Yes. Each payment is a judgment when due.
Official sources
- RSA 461-A:14: support; termination
- RSA 461-A:21: agreement on college expenses
- RSA 458-B:4: amount withheld
- RSA 458-B:10: termination of income assignment
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 New Hampshire statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed New Hampshire attorney.