How Child Support Ends in Vermont: Emancipation, Termination Orders and What to File
Vermont child support does not end by itself except on adoption: ask the court to end it, and note that the motion reaches only installments after the filing date. Arrears stay owed.
Does child support end automatically in Vermont?
Not by itself. The statute lets the court order support to continue until the age of majority or the end of secondary education, whichever is later (15 V.S.A. 658(c)), but it does not say the order terminates on its own. The one exception we found is adoption (658(e)).
What events end child support in Vermont?
| Event | What happens |
|---|---|
| Child reaches 18 and secondary education has ended | The court may end support; ask in writing |
| Consent to adoption or relinquishment | Future support for the child ends without further order |
| Obligor owes arrears | Arrears stay owed and enforceable |
| Postsecondary amount agreed | Enforceable six years after the child is no longer covered |
| Motion to modify | Reaches only installments after the filing date |
| Agreement between parents | Ask the court to approve it |
What about marriage or military service?
The sections we read do not list them. If your child marries or joins the military before 18, ask a licensed Vermont attorney whether to file, and do not stop paying until the court rules.
What do you file to end an order?
A motion with proof of the event, with the affidavit of calculations if you rely on a deemed change (660(d)). See how to modify child support in Vermont.
Why does the filing date matter?
Because modification reaches only installments after notice, and the filing date is the notice date (660(e)). If you wait to file after the event, you keep paying until the court rules.
Do arrears stay owed after support ends?
Yes, and an action to enforce can be brought within six years after the youngest child reaches majority (606(c)). Check the balance in the Vermont arrears calculator and the date in the Vermont child support end date calculator.
Who receives payments if the child lives away from home?
The sections we read do not describe a rule for payments to an adult child; ask the court if you want to redirect payments, and keep paying the Registry meanwhile (663(c)(2)).
What happens to the case when a child is adopted?
The Probate Division files the consent or relinquishment with the Family Division in the case where the support order was issued and notifies the Office of Child Support of any order terminating parental rights (658(e)). Unpaid installments accrued before adoption stay owed.
Do I have to tell my employer anything about medical support?
A parent under a medical support order must notify the employer in writing within 10 days of the order, or the insurer if unemployed or self-employed; otherwise the parent is liable for the child’s health care expenses after the order date until it is modified (663(d)).
What does the Office of Child Support do for me?
If it provides services, it may file a motion to modify or change payee when the child no longer lives with the payee, among other triggers (660(a)(2)). Ask your caseworker to update the case when the event happens.
Should I keep the payment records?
Yes. Keep receipts and Registry statements for at least six years after the youngest child reaches majority, the length of the enforcement window (606(c)).
What mistakes cause problems when support ends?
- Stopping payments on an event without a court order.
- Assuming withholding ends by itself.
- Waiting to file, which lets installments accrue.
- Forgetting that past-due support is still owed with a surcharge.
Frequently asked questions
Does child support end automatically in Vermont?
Not by itself; ask the court in writing, except for adoption.
Does adoption end Vermont child support?
Yes, future support for the adopted child, without further order.
How do I end a Vermont child support order?
File a motion with proof of the event.
Do Vermont arrears stay owed after support ends?
Yes, as judgments with a surcharge, for the six-year window.
Does a Vermont motion to end support reach installments before filing?
No. Only installments after the filing date.
Official sources
- 15 V.S.A. 658: support; duration; adoption
- 15 V.S.A. 659(b): postsecondary education
- 15 V.S.A. 606: judgments and enforcement window
- 15 V.S.A. 660: modification
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 Vermont statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Vermont attorney.