Child Support Past 18 in Virginia: High School Graduation and Age Limits
In Virginia, child support runs to 18, or to 19 or graduation, whichever first occurs, for a full-time high school student who is not self-supporting and lives in the home. Arrears stay owed.
What is the child support age limit in Virginia?
The court may order support for any child of the parties, and the general limit is 18. The court shall also order support to continue for a child over 18 who is (i) a full-time high school student, (ii) not self-supporting and (iii) living in the home of the party seeking or receiving support, until the child reaches 19 or graduates from high school, whichever first occurs (Va. Code 20-124.2(C)).
How is the end date worked out?
At 18, or, for a student meeting all three conditions, the earlier of graduation and the 19th birthday.
| Child born (graduating in June of the year they turn 18) | Turns 18 | Support can run to | Turns 19 |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 15, 2012 | March 15, 2030 | June 30, 2030 | March 15, 2031 |
| August 31, 2011 | August 31, 2029 | August 31, 2029 | August 31, 2030 |
| November 2, 2015 | November 2, 2033 | November 2, 2033 | November 2, 2034 |
Try your own dates in the Virginia child support end date calculator.
Will my order say all this?
Yes. Every support order entered on or after October 1, 1985 must contain notice that support continues for a qualifying student over 18 until 19 or graduation, and that the court may order it for a disabled child (20-60.3(5)). Check your order.
What if a Virginia child drops a condition?
All three must hold for the court to continue support past 18: full-time student, not self-supporting and living in the home. If the child moves out or becomes self-supporting, ask the court to end the order.
Can Virginia support run past 19 for a student?
The statute’s rule ends at 19 or graduation, whichever first occurs, but the court may confirm an agreement of the parties that extends the obligation beyond when it would otherwise end (20-124.2(C)).
Do I have to do anything for a Virginia order to end?
The statute sets the limit, but withholding and the agency’s records need a court or agency step. Send proof of the birthday or graduation and ask in writing to end withholding.
What counts as living in the home?
The statute requires the child to live in the home of the party seeking or receiving support (20-124.2(C)); it does not define short absences, so keep proof of residence and school enrollment.
Does the order name a license notice too?
Yes. The order must give notice that licenses can be petitioned for suspension at a delinquency of 90 days or $5,000, and show whether either parent holds one (20-60.3(6)). That notice is another reason to settle arrears before an end date.
Can I ask for support to start again if the child re-enrolls?
Ask the court promptly; the statute speaks of a full-time student living in the home and not self-supporting, so proof of re-enrollment is the key (20-124.2(C)).
What if the child is homeschooled?
The sections we read speak of a full-time high school student without defining school type; ask the court and keep proof of full-time enrollment.
Do arrears end when child support ends?
No. Unpaid support remains a judgment enforceable for up to 20 years (8.01-251). See the Virginia child support arrears calculator and how long arrears last.
Frequently asked questions
Does child support end at 18 in Virginia?
Yes, unless the child is a full-time high school student who is not self-supporting and lives in the home, then 19 or graduation.
How long can Virginia high school support last?
Until 19 or graduation, whichever first occurs.
What are the three Virginia conditions for support past 18?
Full-time high school student, not self-supporting and living in the home of the parent receiving support.
Can Virginia parents agree to support past 19?
Yes, the court may confirm an agreement that extends the obligation.
Do arrears end when Virginia support ends?
No. Installments already owed stay owed.
Official sources
- Va. Code 20-124.2: support past 18; disabled children
- Va. Code 8.01-251: limitations on enforcement of judgments
- Va. Code 20-78.2: arrears as judgments
- Va. Code 20-108: 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 Virginia statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Virginia attorney.