Quick answer: When does child support end in Wisconsin? At 18, or before 19 if the child is pursuing an accredited course toward a high school diploma or its equivalent. Current support ends in the month the child graduates if the order gives that date. Past-due support can still be enforced up to 20 years after the youngest child turns 18.
This Wisconsin child support end date calculator finds the 18th birthday and, if the child is still in a high school course, the graduation month capped before the 19th birthday under Wis. Stat. 767.511(4). Past-due support stays owed, so check the balance in the Wisconsin child support arrears calculator.
When does child support end in Wisconsin? At a glance
| Rule | What Wisconsin says |
|---|---|
| Basic rule | The court shall order support for a child under 18, or under 19 if the child is pursuing an accredited course of instruction leading to a high school diploma or its equivalent (Wis. Stat. 767.511(4); DCF) |
| Graduation month | Current support for an 18-year-old ends in the month the child graduates; check the order for an end date (DCF) |
| Dropped out | The order ends at 18 unless a parent shows documentation that the child returned to high school or an equivalency course (DCF) |
| Notice | Both parents get a notice about 90 days before the verified 18th birthday of the youngest child (DCF) |
| Withholding | May continue at the same level until past-due support is paid (DCF) |
| Arrears | Enforceable up to 20 years after the youngest child turns 18 (DCF) |
| Revising the order | No revision of arrears accrued before notice (Wis. Stat. 767.59(1m)) |
How does the Wisconsin end date work?
- Age 18, graduation and 19. See the Wisconsin child support age limit and high school rule.
- College and disabled adult children. See child support for college and disabled children in Wisconsin.
- Emancipation and ending the order. See emancipation and whether child support ends automatically in Wisconsin.
What does this end date calculator check?
You enter the child’s birth date and, if the child will still be in high school after 18, the expected graduation month. The calculator returns the 18th birthday, or the graduation month capped before the 19th birthday. It cannot read your order: if it says otherwise, it controls. To change the amount before it ends, see the Wisconsin child support modification calculator.
Frequently asked questions
At what age does child support end in Wisconsin?
At 18, or before 19 if the child is pursuing a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Does Wisconsin child support continue through high school?
Yes, if the child is under 19 and pursuing an accredited course toward a diploma or equivalent.
Does Wisconsin child support cover college?
No. The statute covers children under 18, or under 19 in a high school course.
Can Wisconsin child support continue for a disabled adult child?
We could not verify a provision in the sources we read; ask a licensed Wisconsin attorney.
Does Wisconsin child support end automatically?
The order for current support ends at the age limit, but past-due support and withholding need action.