Quick answer: When does child support end in Pennsylvania? On the last to occur of the child’s 18th birthday and high school graduation. The court office sends an emancipation inquiry within six months before 18 and ends the order if no one asserts a reason to continue. A court can order college costs up to age 23.
This Pennsylvania child support end date calculator finds the later of the 18th birthday and the end of your expected graduation month under 23 Pa.C.S. 4321. Past-due support stays owed, so check the balance in the Pennsylvania child support arrears calculator.
When does child support end in Pennsylvania? At a glance
| Rule | What Pennsylvania says |
|---|---|
| Basic rule | Parents are liable for unemancipated children 18 or younger, and may be liable for children 18 or older (23 Pa.C.S. 4321) |
| Termination date | The charging order ends on the last to occur of the date the last child reaches 18 or graduates from high school (Pa.R.C.P. 1910.19(e)) |
| Emancipation inquiry | Sent within six months before 18; if not returned in 30 days or no ground is asserted, the section ends the order administratively (1910.19(e)) |
| Special needs and agreements | The inquiry asks about agreements and special needs that can continue support past 18 or graduation (1910.19(e)) |
| Postsecondary costs | A court may order educational costs, generally not beyond the 23rd birthday, after the student seeks scholarships and aid (4327) |
| Arrears | Not affected by termination; payments can continue equal to the charging order until paid (1910.19(e)) |
How does the Pennsylvania end date work?
- Age 18 and graduation. See the Pennsylvania child support age limit and high school graduation.
- College and disabled adult children. See child support for college and disabled children in Pennsylvania.
- Emancipation and ending the order. See emancipation and whether child support ends automatically in Pennsylvania.
What does this end date calculator check?
You enter the child’s birth date and, if the child is still in high school at 18, the expected graduation month. The calculator returns the later of the two dates and the time left from today. It cannot read your order: if it says otherwise, it controls. To change the amount before it ends, see the Pennsylvania child support modification calculator.
Frequently asked questions
At what age does child support end in Pennsylvania?
On the last to occur of the 18th birthday and high school graduation.
Does Pennsylvania child support continue through high school?
Yes. If the child is still in high school at 18, the charging order runs to graduation.
Does Pennsylvania child support cover college?
A court may order postsecondary educational costs, after the student seeks aid, generally up to the 23rd birthday.
Can Pennsylvania child support continue for a disabled adult child?
The emancipation inquiry asks about special needs that may be a basis for continuing support past 18 or graduation, and parents may be liable for children 18 or older.
Does Pennsylvania child support end automatically?
The section ends the order administratively if no one asserts a ground to continue, but arrears remain.