How Child Support Ends in Wyoming: Emancipation, Termination Orders and What to File
Wyoming child support ends on a child’s death, marriage, military enlistment, emancipation or reaching the age limit, but the amount for other children does not drop automatically. Arrears stay owed as judgments.
Does child support end automatically in Wyoming?
The obligation ends when the child dies, joins the military, marries, is legally emancipated or reaches the age of majority, subject to the student and disability rules (Wyoming Judicial Branch). But withholding and the support amount for other children need action: an order is not reduced automatically when one child ends.
What events end child support in Wyoming?
| Event | What happens |
|---|---|
| Child reaches 18 (not a qualifying student) | The obligation ends; ask to end withholding |
| Child dies, marries or is emancipated | The obligation ends |
| Child joins the military | The obligation ends |
| Full-time high school student turns 20 | Support ends |
| Parents remarry each other | The obligation ends; the court may also eliminate arrears not owed to the state |
| One of several children ends | The amount does not reduce automatically |
What do you file to end an order?
A petition to modify with proof of the event, using the court’s modification packets, or a request to the Wyoming Child Support Program if it handles your case (self-help packet). See how to modify child support in Wyoming.
Why does service matter?
Because modification reaches only from the date notice of the petition was served (20-2-311(d)). If you wait to file after the event, you keep paying until the court rules.
Do arrears stay owed after support ends?
Yes, as judgments, with a 10% late payment penalty on installments unpaid 32 days (Wyo. Stat. 1-16-103). Check the balance in the Wyoming arrears calculator and the date in the Wyoming child support end date calculator.
Can I stop paying if visitation is blocked?
No. Keep paying and ask a judge to enforce visitation (Wyoming Judicial Branch).
Is the old abatement for 15 days with the other parent still available?
Only for orders in effect before July 1, 2018; the abatement statute was repealed in 2018, and a claim had to be filed with the clerk within 30 days (Wyoming Judicial Branch).
Does the child need to live with me for support past 18?
The state describes the student rule by age and school status, not residence; check your order and bring enrollment proof (Wyoming Judicial Branch).
Who receives the money if the child lives elsewhere?
Ask the court to redirect payments to the person who has the child; until then keep paying the Clerk or the State Distribution Unit (Wyoming Judicial Branch).
What mistakes cause problems when support ends?
- Stopping payments on an event without a court or agency step.
- Assuming the amount drops when one child ends.
- Missing that a full-time student can extend support to 20.
- Forgetting that past-due support is still owed.
Frequently asked questions
Does child support end automatically in Wyoming?
The obligation ends on the listed events, but the amount for other children needs a petition.
Does marriage end Wyoming child support?
A child's marriage ends the obligation; so does the parents' remarriage to each other.
Does joining the military end Wyoming child support?
Yes. A child who joins the military ends the obligation.
Do Wyoming arrears stay owed after support ends?
Yes, as judgments.
How do I end a Wyoming child support order?
File a petition with proof, or ask the Child Support Program if it handles your case.
Official sources
- Wyoming Judicial Branch: when a child support obligation ends
- Wyoming self-help packet: termination of support; age of majority
- Wyo. Stat. 20-2-311: adjustment
- Wyo. Stat. 1-16-102 and 1-16-103: judgments and penalty
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 Wyoming statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Wyoming attorney.