Quick answer: When does child support end in Virginia? At 18, unless the child is a full-time high school student, not self-supporting and living in the home of the parent receiving support: then the court shall order support until 19 or graduation, whichever first occurs. The court may order support past 18 for a severely and permanently disabled child.
This Virginia child support end date calculator finds the 18th birthday and, for a qualifying student, the earlier of the graduation month and the 19th birthday under Va. Code 20-124.2(C). Past-due support stays owed, so check the balance in the Virginia child support arrears calculator.
When does child support end in Virginia? At a glance
| Rule | What Virginia says |
|---|---|
| Basic rule | The court may order support for any child of the parties; support continues past 18 for a full-time high school student who is not self-supporting and lives in the home of the parent receiving support, until 19 or graduation, whichever first occurs (Va. Code 20-124.2(C)) |
| Disabled child | The court may order support past 18 for a severely and permanently disabled child unable to live independently, living with the parent receiving support, if the disability began before 18 (20-124.2(C)) |
| Agreements | The court may confirm an agreement that extends support beyond when it would otherwise end (20-124.2(C)) |
| Estates | The court has no authority to decree support payable by the estate of a deceased party (20-124.2(C)) |
| Special needs trust | On request, support may be paid to a special needs trust or ABLE account (20-124.2(C)) |
| Arrears | Judgments for unpaid support can be enforced for 20 years (8.01-251) |
How does the Virginia end date work?
- Age 18 and the high school rule. See the Virginia child support age limit and the high school rule.
- College and disabled adult children. See child support for college and disabled children in Virginia.
- Emancipation and ending the order. See emancipation and whether child support ends automatically in Virginia.
What does this end date calculator check?
You enter the child’s birth date and, if the child will still be a full-time high school student after 18, the expected graduation month. The calculator returns the 18th birthday, or the graduation month capped at the 19th birthday. It cannot read your order: if it says otherwise, it controls. To change the amount before it ends, see the Virginia child support modification calculator.
Frequently asked questions
At what age does child support end in Virginia?
At 18, or at 19 or graduation, whichever first occurs, for a qualifying full-time high school student.
Does Virginia child support continue through high school?
Yes, if the child is a full-time student, not self-supporting and living in the home of the parent receiving support.
Does Virginia child support cover college?
We found no court-ordered college support; the court may confirm a parents' agreement that extends support.
Can Virginia child support continue for a disabled adult child?
Yes, for a severely and permanently disabled child unable to live independently, if the disability began before 18.
Does Virginia child support end automatically?
The statute sets the limits, but withholding and arrears need a court or agency step.