How and When Child Support Ends in Maryland

For many parents, understanding when child support ends can feel confusing and stressful. You might wonder: Does it stop automatically? Do I have to go back to court? Could I still owe something even after my child turns 18?

In Maryland, child support is governed by specific rules, and knowing those rules matters. Child support isn’t just about the parents—it’s about making sure a child’s needs are met. However, there are clear points where support obligations may end. If you’re thinking about modifying or terminating child support, talking to experienced child support lawyers is always a smart first step.

Let’s walk through when child support typically ends in Maryland and what steps you need to take to protect your rights.

When does child support automatically end in Maryland?

In Maryland, child support generally ends when the child turns 18 years old. But it’s not always that simple.

If your child is still enrolled in high school when they turn 18, Maryland law requires support to continue until either graduation or their 19th birthday, whichever comes first.

For example:

• If your child turns 18 in October but doesn’t graduate until June, you’ll likely continue paying until June.
• But if your child turns 19 while still in high school, support stops at 19.

Sounds clear, right? Well, here’s the catch: even when your child ages out, you often need to formally request a termination of the order. Otherwise, wage garnishments or automatic payments could continue.

Situations where child support may end early in Maryland

There are a few cases where Maryland courts will allow child support to end earlier than expected. Let’s go over a few:

Emancipation of the child

If your child becomes legally independent, through marriage, joining the military, or financial independence, the court may declare them “emancipated.” Once that happens, your duty to provide support can end. But emancipation isn’t automatic. You’ll need to file a motion and present evidence.

Child’s death

It’s heartbreaking to consider, but if a child passes away, child support obligations also end. Even then, it’s important to work through the court system to make sure the order is properly terminated.

Custody changes

Sometimes, custody arrangements shift. If the parent paying support gains full custody, the original child support order may no longer make sense. But—and this is critical—the obligation doesn’t just disappear. You have to petition the court for a modification or termination.

Termination of parental rights

In Maryland, if your parental rights are terminated, either voluntarily or involuntarily, you may no longer owe future support. However, unpaid child support (arrears) doesn’t magically vanish. Courts can and often do enforce arrears even after rights are terminated.

Early termination sounds simple in theory. In practice? It almost always requires court involvement. That’s why working with child support lawyers is crucial if you want to avoid legal missteps.

Child support doesn’t stop automatically in Maryland

You might think, “Hey, my child turned 18. I’m done, right?” Not necessarily.

In Maryland, child support enforcement agencies like the Child Support Administration (CSA) don’t stop collecting just because your child hits a birthday milestone. The paying parent usually needs to file a Motion to Terminate Child Support.

Why does this matter? Because if you don’t formally terminate your obligation, the state may continue:

• Garnishing your wages.
• Reporting you for arrears.
• Seizing tax refunds.
• Suspending your driver’s license.

In short, assuming your payments will stop without paperwork can cause serious and expensive headaches.

The good news? Skilled child support lawyers can guide you through the process quickly and efficiently to prevent any costly mistakes.

Special circumstances where support may continue beyond age 18

In some Maryland cases, child support continues even after a child turns 18. Here’s when that might happen:

Disability of the child

If a child has a significant physical or mental disability that prevents them from becoming self-supporting, Maryland courts may extend child support indefinitely.

Post-secondary education

Unlike some other states, Maryland does not automatically require parents to pay child support for college expenses after the child turns 18. However, parents can voluntarily agree to cover tuition or living costs in a marital settlement agreement or court order. Once signed, those agreements are enforceable.

Bottom line: always check your original court orders and agreements before assuming you’re off the hook.

What about child support arrears in Maryland?

Here’s something that trips up a lot of parents: Even if your support obligation ends, any past-due payments (arrears) remain enforceable.

Let’s say you owed $5,000 in unpaid child support when your child turned 18. You still owe that $5,000—and Maryland can take aggressive collection actions until you pay it off.

Enforcement tools include:

• Intercepting tax refunds
• Garnishing bank accounts
• Revoking passports
• Suspending professional licenses

Ignoring arrears isn’t an option. If you’re behind, it’s better to address the situation head-on, ideally with the help of an experienced child support lawyer who knows Maryland’s enforcement rules inside and out.

How can our Rockville child support lawyers help you?

The experienced Rockville child support lawyers at McCabe Russell are here to provide the following:

• Offering personalized guidance tailored to your family’s unique situation
• Handling the legal complexities of child support modification or termination
• Advocating for your financial interests and protecting your rights under Maryland law

Ending a child support obligation can be a major milestone. Whether you’re seeking to terminate payments after your child’s graduation, need assistance modifying an existing order, or have questions about your legal responsibilities, we are here to help you every step of the way.

Are you ready to resolve your child support concerns in Maryland? The Rockville child support lawyers at McCabe Russell can help you through the entire process, from filing the right motions to ensuring your obligations are properly updated. Let’s work together to bring you peace of mind and a clear path forward. Call our offices or fill out our contact form to schedule a meeting with a compassionate lawyer. We also maintain offices in Fulton, Bethesda, and Columbia.