Quick answer: When does child support end in North Carolina? At 18, or at emancipation if earlier. A child still in primary or secondary school at 18 is supported until graduating, ceasing regular attendance, failing satisfactory academic progress or reaching 20, whichever comes first. Arrears keep being paid at the prior rate after support ends.
This North Carolina child support end date calculator finds the 18th birthday and the 20th birthday cap for a student under G.S. 50-13.4(c). Past-due support stays owed, so check the balance in the North Carolina child support arrears calculator.
When does child support end in North Carolina? At a glance
| Rule | What North Carolina says |
|---|---|
| Basic rule | Payments terminate when the child reaches 18; emancipation ends them then (G.S. 50-13.4(c)) |
| Student at 18 | Until graduating, ceasing regular attendance, failing satisfactory academic progress or reaching 20, whichever first, unless the court orders payments to cease at 18 or before graduation (50-13.4(c)(2)) |
| Automatic | On graduation or reaching 20, payments terminate without a court order, subject to the recipient’s right to show on motion that the child has not graduated or reached 20 (50-13.4(c)) |
| Arrears | Payments continue in the same total amount until arrears and fees are paid (50-13.4(c)); withholding continues until arrears are paid (110-136.10) |
| Incapable adult child | A person incapable of self-support at majority has the same custody rights as a minor (50-13.8); we found no support rule |
| College | We found no court-ordered college support in the sections we read |
How does the North Carolina end date work?
- Age 18 and the student rule. See the North Carolina child support age limit and the student rule.
- College and incapable adult children. See child support for college and disabled children in North Carolina.
- Emancipation and ending the order. See emancipation and whether child support ends automatically in North Carolina.
What does this end date calculator check?
You enter the child’s birth date and the calculator returns the 18th birthday and the time left from today, and the 20th birthday cap for a child still in school. It notes the arrears rule and the incapable-adult rule. It cannot read your order: if it says otherwise, it controls. To change the amount before it ends, see the North Carolina child support modification calculator.
Frequently asked questions
At what age does child support end in North Carolina?
At 18, unless the child is still in primary or secondary school, in which case until graduating, ceasing regular attendance, failing academic progress or reaching 20, whichever comes first.
Does North Carolina child support continue through high school?
Yes, for a child still in school at 18, up to age 20.
Does North Carolina child support cover college?
We found no court-ordered college support in the sections we read; parents can agree in writing.
Can North Carolina child support continue for a disabled adult child?
The statute gives a person incapable of self-support at majority a minor's custody rights; we found no support rule in the sections we read.
Does North Carolina child support end automatically?
At graduation or 20, payments terminate without a court order, but ask the court or agency to end income withholding and keep proof of the date.