Child Support Past 18 in Oregon: Child Attending School and Age Limits
In Oregon, child support ends at 18 unless the order provides for a child attending school, an unmarried child 18 to under 21 with satisfactory progress and at least a half-time load, paid to the child.
What is the child support age limit in Oregon?
Eighteen for a minor child. Oregon then allows a support order to provide for a “child attending school”: an unmarried child 18 or older and under 21 who is making satisfactory academic progress as defined by the school and has a course load no less than half of full-time (ORS 107.108(1)). The order may require either or both parents to provide support for that child (107.108(2)).
How long can it last?
Until the child turns 21, if the child still qualifies.
| Child born | Turns 18 | Latest date (21st birthday) |
|---|---|---|
| March 15, 2012 | March 15, 2030 | March 15, 2033 |
| August 31, 2011 | August 31, 2029 | August 31, 2032 |
| November 2, 2015 | November 2, 2033 | November 2, 2036 |
Try your own date in the Oregon child support end date calculator.
Does my Oregon order have to say so?
Yes. The statute says a support order entered or modified under the listed chapters may require support for a child attending school (107.108(2)). If your order stops at 18, ask the court to modify it before the child turns 18, and read how to modify child support in Oregon.
What must an Oregon child do?
To keep payments going to the child, the child must give each paying parent, and the agency if it provides services, written notice before turning 18 of the intent to attend school, with the school name and expected graduation or stop date, and a signed consent letting the school tell the paying parents about enrollment, satisfactory progress, courses and grades (107.108(6)). The consent is renewed each academic year.
Who receives the Oregon money?
If the order provides for a child attending school who qualifies, support goes to the child if the agency is providing services, or directly to the child if not, unless good cause supports another arrangement; with several children, the child gets a prorated share unless the order says otherwise (107.108(5)).
Is the child a party in Oregon?
Yes. A child attending school is a party to legal proceedings about the support order and can apply for child support services, ask for a modification and take part in modification proceedings (107.108(3)). An unmarried 18 to 21 year old is a necessary party to certain proceedings even if not a child attending school (107.108(4)).
What if the child is homeschooled?
The statute names home schooling among the programs that count as school (107.108(1)(c)(C)), along with a high school equivalency course and any grade 12 or below program. Keep records of the course load.
What does satisfactory progress mean?
As defined by the school the child attends (107.108(1)(a)(C)). Ask the school for a written statement and keep grade reports.
When is withholding started?
When the obligor fails to pay at least one month of support, the court or administrator initiates income withholding (ORS 25.378). If your child turns 18 and you still owe arrears, it can continue for them.
Do arrears end when child support ends?
No. Installments already owed stay owed, and the judgment is final as to accrued support (107.135(7)). See the Oregon child support arrears calculator and how long arrears last.
Frequently asked questions
Does child support end at 18 in Oregon?
For a minor yes, unless the order provides for a child attending school, which can run to 21.
How long can Oregon support for a child attending school last?
Until the child turns 21, if the child remains unmarried, makes satisfactory progress and is at least half-time.
What must an Oregon child do to keep receiving support after 18?
Give written notice before 18 with the school and expected end date, and a consent letting the school disclose records to the paying parents.
Does Oregon pay support directly to the child after 18?
Yes, support for a child attending school goes to the child unless good cause says otherwise.
Do arrears end when Oregon support ends?
No. Installments already owed stay owed.
Official sources
- ORS 107.108 and 107.135: child attending school; modification
- ORS chapter 25: support enforcement
- ORS 82.010: interest
- OAR 137-055-3220
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 Oregon statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Oregon attorney.