Child Support Past 18 in Wisconsin: High School Graduation and Age Limits
In Wisconsin, child support runs to 18, or to graduation before the 19th birthday for a child pursuing a high school diploma or equivalent. Past-due support stays enforceable up to 20 years.
What is the child support age limit in Wisconsin?
The court shall order support for any child of the parties who is less than 18 years old, or less than 19 years old if the child is pursuing an accredited course of instruction leading to a high school diploma or its equivalent (Wis. Stat. 767.511(4)). The state describes it as a duty that continues until the child turns 18, or 19 if the child is still enrolled in high school or working on a GED (DCF).
When exactly does Wisconsin support end for a student?
In the month the child graduates, if the order gives that end date; the state tells parents to check the order and, if it has none, to contact the agency with the graduation date (DCF).
| 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 Wisconsin child support end date calculator.
Which statute sets the age limit?
Wis. Stat. 767.511(4), which says the court shall order support for a child under 18, or under 19 if the child is pursuing an accredited course toward a high school diploma or its equivalent; revisions also follow 767.59 (Wis. Stat. 767.59).
What if my child changes schools or finishes early?
Current support ends in the month the child graduates if the order says so; if it does not, give the agency the graduation date (DCF).
What if a Wisconsin child drops out?
The order for current support ends at 18 unless a parent shows documentation to the agency that the child returned to high school or is enrolled in a GED program (DCF).
What notice will I get in Wisconsin?
Both parents are sent a notice 90 days before the verified date of the youngest child’s 18th birthday. Keep your address current with the agency so it arrives (DCF).
Do I have to do anything for the order to end?
The current-support order ends at the age limit, but withholding may continue until past-due support is paid, so send proof and ask in writing.
Do arrears end when child support ends?
No. Past-due support is still enforceable up to 20 years after the youngest child turns 18 (DCF). See the Wisconsin child support arrears calculator and how long arrears last.
Frequently asked questions
Does child support end at 18 in Wisconsin?
Yes, unless the child is under 19 and in a high school or equivalency course.
How long can Wisconsin high school support last?
To the graduation month, but not past the 19th birthday.
What if a Wisconsin child quits high school?
Support ends at 18 unless a parent documents a return to school or an equivalency program.
When does Wisconsin send the 18th birthday notice?
About 90 days before the youngest child's 18th birthday.
Do arrears end when Wisconsin support ends?
No. They stay enforceable up to 20 years after the youngest child turns 18.
Official sources
- DCF: when child support ends
- DCF: collecting past-due child support
- Wis. Stat. 767.59: revision
- DCF: reviewing a court order
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 Wisconsin statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Wisconsin attorney.