Child Support Past 18 in Ohio: High School Graduation and Age Limits
In Ohio, child support ends at 18 unless the child continuously attends an accredited high school full-time after 18, the parents agreed to continue it or the child is disabled and incapable of self-support.
What is the child support age limit in Ohio?
Eighteen, with three exceptions. Notwithstanding the age of majority (ORC 3109.01), support under a court order continues beyond the 18th birthday only for a child disabled and incapable of self-support under an order, where the parents agreed in the decree to continue support, or where the child continuously attends a recognized and accredited high school full-time on and after 18 (3119.86(A)).
What if the child is still in high school at 18?
Support continues while the child continuously attends a recognized and accredited high school on a full-time basis. The statute sets no age cap, but a court order can set a termination condition for a child who reaches 19, and the listed reasons for terminating an order include that condition (3119.88(A)(3)).
| Child born | Turns 18 | Turns 19 (for reference) |
|---|---|---|
| March 15, 2012 | March 15, 2030 | March 15, 2031 |
| August 31, 2011 | August 31, 2029 | August 31, 2030 |
| November 2, 2015 | November 2, 2033 | November 2, 2034 |
Try your own date in the Ohio child support end date calculator.
Can the other parent dispute my child’s full-time status?
Yes. The obligor can ask the agency or court to review whether the child continuously attends full-time (3119.88). Keep enrollment letters and attendance records.
What does continuously mean for Ohio high school support?
The statute says continuously attends full-time on and after 18. If the child stops attending full-time, that is a listed reason to terminate the order (3119.88(A)(2)). Keep school records and tell the agency if the child leaves.
Is it different for an Ohio administrative order?
Yes. For an order issued by the agency, support continues past 18 only if the child continuously attends a recognized and accredited high school full-time (3119.86(B)). The disability and agreement routes belong to court orders.
Who has to report the end of Ohio support?
The residential parent and legal custodian, or whoever has custody, must immediately notify the agency of any reason the order should terminate; the obligor may notify it too. A willful failure to notify on a court order is contempt (3119.87).
What if the child turns 18 during the school year?
If the child continuously attends high school full-time after 18, support continues under the statute (3119.86(A)(3)). Tell the agency the expected graduation date and keep school records.
What if the child leaves school and later returns?
Leaving full-time attendance is a listed reason to terminate; a later return does not restart the order by itself. Ask the court or a licensed Ohio attorney about reinstating support.
Do I have to file to end child support?
The agency investigates within 20 days of a notice (3119.89) and ends the order or continues withholding for other children or arrears. Send the notice in writing with the child’s birth date and proof of graduation. See how to modify child support in Ohio.
Do arrears end when child support ends?
No. If an obligor owes arrears after termination, the obligee can apply to the agency to enforce them (3123.14). See the Ohio child support arrears calculator and how long arrears last.
Frequently asked questions
Does child support end at 18 in Ohio?
Yes, unless the child continuously attends high school full-time after 18, the parents agreed to continue support, or the child is disabled and incapable of self-support.
Does Ohio child support continue while the child is in high school after 18?
Yes, while the child continuously attends a recognized and accredited high school full-time.
Is there an Ohio cap at 19 for child support?
The statute sets no cap, but a court order can set a termination condition at 19.
Who must tell the Ohio agency to end child support?
The residential parent or custodian must immediately notify it; the obligor may also.
Do arrears end when Ohio support ends?
No. The obligee can enforce arrears after termination.
Official sources
- ORC 3119.86: support beyond 18
- ORC 3119.88: reasons to terminate an order
- ORC 3119.87: duty to notify the agency
- ORC 3109.01: age of majority
- ORC 3123.14: arrearage after termination
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 Ohio statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Ohio attorney.