Quick answer: When does child support end in Tennessee? At 18, or for a child who turns 18 in high school, until graduation or until the child’s class graduates, whichever is last. In state-enforced cases support does not continue past 19, except for a disabled child, for whom the court may continue support to 21 or longer.
This Tennessee child support end date calculator finds the later of the 18th birthday and your expected graduation under the Tennessee guidelines definition of child. Past-due support stays owed, so check the balance in the Tennessee child support arrears calculator.
When does child support end in Tennessee? At a glance
| Rule | What Tennessee says |
|---|---|
| Child (guidelines) | Under 18, or reaching 18 in high school until graduation or until the child’s class graduates, whichever is last (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-02-04) |
| State-enforced cases | The obligor may seek termination when the child is 18 and has graduated, or the class has; support does not continue past 19 except for a disabled child (Tenn. Code 36-5-101(g)(6)) |
| Notice | The department sends the obligor notice 90 days before the 18th birthday in a state-enforced case (36-5-101(g)(6)(A)) |
| Conditions to terminate | No arrears owed, court costs paid, no other special circumstances and no other children on the order (36-5-101(g)(6)(B)) |
| Disabled child | The court may continue support to 21, or beyond for a severely disabled child living under a parent’s care (36-5-101(k)) |
| Arrears | Withholding continues until arrears are paid, absent a contrary order (36-5-101(f)(3)) |
| Federal passport rule | Arrears over $2,500 can lead to passport denial (42 U.S.C. 652(k)) |
How does the Tennessee end date work?
- Age 18 and graduation. See the Tennessee child support age limit and graduation.
- College and disabled adult children. See child support for college and disabled children in Tennessee.
- Emancipation and ending the order. See emancipation and whether child support ends automatically in Tennessee.
What does this end date calculator check?
You enter the child’s birth date and, if the child turns 18 in high school, the expected graduation month of the child’s class. 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 Tennessee child support modification calculator.
Frequently asked questions
At what age does child support end in Tennessee?
At 18, or at graduation (or the class's graduation, whichever is last) for a child who turns 18 in high school.
Does Tennessee child support continue through high school?
Yes, for a child who turns 18 in high school, until graduation or until the child's class graduates, whichever is last.
Does Tennessee child support cover college?
We found no court-ordered college support in the sections we read.
Can Tennessee child support continue for a disabled adult child?
Yes. The court may continue support to 21, or beyond for a severely disabled child living under a parent's care.
Does Tennessee child support end automatically?
In state-enforced cases the obligor may seek termination after notice 90 days before the 18th birthday; arrears keep withholding going.