Quick answer: When does child support end in Rhode Island? Generally at 18. For a child still in high school at 18, the court may order support until 90 days after graduation, but never beyond the 19th birthday. For a child with a severe physical or mental impairment, the court may order support beyond emancipation. Withholding then continues toward any arrears.
This Rhode Island child support end date calculator finds the 18th birthday and, for a child in high school, 90 days after graduation capped at the 19th birthday under R.I. Gen. Laws 15-5-16.2(b). Past-due support stays owed, so check the balance in the Rhode Island child support arrears calculator.
When does child support end in Rhode Island? At a glance
| Rule | What Rhode Island says |
|---|---|
| Basic rule | The court orders support for a child until emancipation, generally 18; for a child in high school at 18 it may order support and education costs for 90 days after graduation, never beyond the 19th birthday (R.I. Gen. Laws 15-5-16.2(b)) |
| Discretion | The high school extension is in the court’s discretion if it deems it necessary or advisable (15-5-16.2(b)) |
| Severe impairment | The court may order support beyond emancipation for a child with a severe physical or mental impairment who lives with or is under a parent’s care, if the onset was before emancipation (15-5-16.2(b)) |
| After the youngest child is emancipated | The order continues by withholding toward arrears, then is suspended automatically when arrears are paid (15-5-16.2(c)(2)) |
| Withholding | The income withholding order stays until the court modifies or revokes it for good cause (15-16-11) |
| College | We found no provision for court-ordered college support in the sections we read |
How does the Rhode Island end date work?
- Age 18 and the high school extension. See the Rhode Island child support age limit and the high school extension.
- College and disabled adult children. See child support for college and disabled children in Rhode Island.
- Emancipation and ending the order. See emancipation and whether child support ends automatically in Rhode Island.
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 18th birthday, or 90 days after graduation capped at the 19th birthday. The extension is in the court’s discretion, and your order controls. To change the amount before it ends, see the Rhode Island child support modification calculator.
Frequently asked questions
At what age does child support end in Rhode Island?
Generally at 18, or up to 90 days after graduation for a child in high school at 18, but never beyond the 19th birthday.
Does Rhode Island child support continue through high school?
The court may order it for a child in high school at 18 until 90 days after graduation, up to the 19th birthday.
Does Rhode Island child support cover college?
We found no provision for court-ordered college support in the sections we read.
Can Rhode Island child support continue for a disabled adult child?
Yes. The court may order support beyond emancipation for a child with a severe physical or mental impairment whose onset was before emancipation.
Does Rhode Island child support end automatically?
The order continues by withholding toward arrears and then suspends automatically once arrears are paid.