Child Support Past 18 in New Jersey: The Age 19 Rule and Termination Notices
In New Jersey, child support ends at 19 by operation of law without a court order unless it is continued, and Probation must send two termination notices, 180 and 90 days before the end date.
What is the child support age limit in New Jersey?
Nineteen. Unless a court order, judgment or court-approved agreement provides otherwise, the obligation to pay current child support terminates by operation of law, without a court order, when a child marries, dies or enters military service, and when the child reaches 19 (N.J.S.A. 2A:17-56.67(a)).
Does support stop at 18 in New Jersey?
No. The default end age is 19, a year later than in many states.
| Child born | Turns 19 | First notice due by | Second notice due by |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 15, 2012 | March 15, 2031 | September 16, 2030 | December 15, 2030 |
| August 31, 2011 | August 31, 2030 | March 4, 2030 | June 2, 2030 |
| November 2, 2015 | November 2, 2034 | May 6, 2034 | August 4, 2034 |
Try your own date in the New Jersey child support end date calculator.
What notices must Probation send?
For orders administered by Probation, Probation and the IV-D agency must send both parents at least two written notices of proposed termination to the last known address, the first at least 180 days and the second at least 90 days before the proposed termination date, with a request form to continue support. The second is not required if a continuation request is pending or a new date has been set. A failure to keep your address current does not stop the termination (2A:17-56.67(d)).
How do I ask to continue support past 19?
A custodial parent submits a written request on the court’s form, with supporting documents and a projected end date, in response to the notice, on the grounds that the child is still in high school or a secondary program, is a full-time post-secondary student for part of the academic year, or has a federal or State agency-determined disability that existed before 19. Probation reviews it and the court decides; if proof is enough, the court sets a new termination date (2A:17-56.67(b)-(c)).
Can I ask on other grounds?
Yes. A custodial parent may file a motion to extend support beyond 19 for exceptional circumstances approved by the court (2A:17-56.67(b)(2)). A paying parent who disagrees with a continuation, or wants to change or end the obligation, may file a motion at any time (56.67(c)).
What ends support before 19?
Marriage, death or military service, unless the order says otherwise, all by operation of law (56.67(a)).
What if the child turns 19 in the middle of the school year?
Termination is at the 19th birthday unless a request is approved. A custodial parent whose child is still in high school can ask for continuation in response to the notice, with a projected end date (2A:17-56.67(b)). File the request early.
What if I never got a notice?
Probation must send two written notices to the last known address, but a failure of a party to keep a current mailing address does not prevent termination (2A:17-56.67(d)). Keep your address current with Probation.
Do arrears end when child support ends?
No. Installments already owed stay due and enforceable, and the payment continues at the prior rate plus any arrears repayment amount until the arrears are paid (2A:17-56.69). See the New Jersey child support arrears calculator and how long arrears last.
Frequently asked questions
Does child support end at 18 in New Jersey?
No. It ends at 19 by operation of law unless continued.
How do I ask to extend New Jersey child support past 19?
Submit the written request form in response to the termination notice, with documents, before the child reaches 19.
What notices does New Jersey send before child support ends?
Two written notices, at least 180 and 90 days before the proposed termination date.
What ends New Jersey child support before 19?
Marriage, death or military service, by operation of law.
Do arrears end when New Jersey support ends?
No. Arrears stay due and enforceable.
Official sources
- N.J.S.A. 2A:17-56.67: termination of child support
- N.J.S.A. 2A:17-56.69: arrears after termination
- N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23: factors for a child with incapacity
- N.J.S.A. 2A:17-56.23a: judgment by operation of law
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 Jersey 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 Jersey attorney.