When Does Child Support End in Texas?

 Posted on June 29, 2025 in Child Support

A common misconception is that child support automatically ends when a child turns 18. However, it can be more complicated than that. The law outlines specific exceptions and situations where it may continue. Whether you are planning ahead or unsure if your current order should be modified, speaking with a knowledgeable Dallas, TX child support lawyer can help you stay compliant and protect your financial future.

What Does Texas Law Say About the Length of Child Support Payments?

In most cases, child support in Texas continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school. This basic concept is outlined in Texas Family Code § 154.001. Having this default rule ensures that minors receive necessary support through their primary education. However, if the child becomes legally emancipated before turning 18 by getting married, joining the military, or being declared independent by a court, support may end sooner.

Child support does not automatically terminate. If you are under a wage withholding order, you must file a Motion to Terminate Withholding for Child Support and receive court approval before payments can legally stop.

Can Child Support Continue After 18 in Texas Under Any Other Conditions?

Texas law allows child support to extend past age 18 in certain situations. The two most common scenarios involved continued high school attendance and disability of the child. Under § 154.002, if the child is still enrolled in an accredited high school after turning 18, child support must continue until the child graduates or turns 19.

If a child has a physical or mental disability that began before their eighteenth birthday and requires substantial care or supervision, statute § 154.302 permits the court to order indefinite child support. In these cases, support can last well into adulthood and is based on the needs of the child and the financial circumstances of both parents.

Are There Any New Laws in Texas That Impact Child Support?

In April 2025, the Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 942, which amends the statute on child support to allow courts to order retroactive child support starting from the date of conception rather than at birth or up to four years before a petition. The bill also permits courts to include prenatal and postnatal medical expenses in the retroactive support order and requires that the total be entered as a consolidated money judgment. If enacted, the law will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Additionally, Texas currently caps a parent’s countable monthly net income at $9,200 for child support calculations. Current discussions are considering a raise in the cap, which would increase obligations for higher earners and better reflect current economic conditions. Together, these changes represent a shift toward stronger enforcement and earlier financial obligations.

Meet an Experienced Dallas, TX Child Support Attorney Today

Whether you are seeking to terminate support, request ongoing payments for a disabled child, or just ask questions about child support obligations, you need guidance backed by experience. At the Law Office of Michelle Poblenz, our Tarrant County, TX child support lawyer is a former prosecutor for the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office, bringing more than 25 years of legal insight to every family law matter. If you need strategic and compassionate support, call 469-845-3031 today to schedule a personalized consultation.