When Does Child Support End in Maryland?

Walter Jackowiec, Illinois managing attorney | Marble Law

Maryland managing attorney at Marble Law

Published April 23, 2025 · 3 min read

Key Takeaways

Child support in Maryland usually ends when the child turns 18.
Support may continue if the child is still in high school or has disabilities.
It can end early due to emancipation, marriage, or military service.
Parents can agree to extend support for college or other expenses

Maryland child support age requirements

In Maryland, child support generally continues until the child turns 18. However, there are exceptions. If a child is still in high school at 18, support continues until they graduate or reach 19, whichever comes first. Support may end earlier or last longer, depending on the child's circumstances and legal agreements between parents.

When does child support continue past age 18?

While child support usually ends at 18, certain situations can extend payments:

Still in High School: If the child is enrolled in high school past their 18th birthday, support continues until they graduate or turn 19.
Physical Disability: If a child has a severe disability that prevents them from being self-sufficient, support may continue indefinitely.
Mental Health Conditions: Courts may extend support to children with cognitive or mental health conditions that make independent living impossible.
College Expenses Agreement: Parents can voluntarily agree to extend child support to cover college or higher education costs.
Court-Ordered Exceptions: In rare cases, a judge may order continued support based on special circumstances that impact the child's well-being.

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Reasons why child support can end before age 18

There are also situations where child support may end before the child turns 18:

Emancipation: If a minor is legally emancipated, they are considered an adult, and child support stops.
Termination of Parental Rights: If a parent's legal rights are terminated, their child support obligation ends.
Marriage: If the child gets married before turning 18, child support typically stops since they are considered financially independent.
Military Service: Child support may no longer be required if the child becomes an active-duty military member.
Financial Independence: If a child proves they can support themselves through full-time employment, support may be terminated.

How a family lawyer can help with child support cases

Understanding when child support starts, stops, or extends can be complicated. A family lawyer can help you meet your legal obligations and advocate for necessary modifications. If you're unsure about your responsibilities or want to explore changes to child support, Marble Law can provide the guidance you need.