When child support ends in Delaware

When payments stop, when they can continue, and why past-due support is still owed.

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

18, or if the child is still in high school, when the child graduates or turns 19, whichever comes first.

Usual end age
18
Latest age in the rule
19
Law
13 Del. C. 501(d), 503

When support stops in Delaware

18, or if the child is still in high school, when the child graduates or turns 19, whichever comes first

Law: 13 Del. C. 501(d), 503

Support can also end if custody of all the children is transferred to the paying parent by court order or written agreement. Separately, parents have a duty to support an adult child with a disability who cannot support themselves (13 Del. C. 503).

When does support end? Check your situation

Delaware's rule: 18, or if the child is still in high school, when the child graduates or turns 19, whichever comes first

Law: 13 Del. C. 501(d), 503

Your own order may set a different end date, for example when the parents agreed to one. Read it.

Moved to another state?

How long support lasts follows the law of the state that made the order, even if you move.

Law: 28 U.S.C. 1738B(h)(2)

A state must enforce another state's child support order. The state that made the order keeps the power to change it while a parent or the child still lives there.

Law: 28 U.S.C. 1738B(a), (d)

What is owed stays owed

Support that was due before it ended is still owed. Each unpaid payment became a judgment on the day it was due, and the agency can keep collecting it.

Law: 42 U.S.C. 666(a)(9)

In nearby states

  • Maryland: 18, or until 19 if the child is still enrolled in secondary school
  • District of Columbia: 21
  • New Jersey: 19 - support ends automatically when the child turns 19, marries…
  • Pennsylvania: 18, or graduation from high school if the child is still in high…

Steps as support ends in Delaware

  1. Read your order

    Some orders set their own end date.

  2. Know the age

    The rule in Delaware: 18, or if the child is still in high school, when the child graduates or turns 19, whichever comes first.

  3. Contact the agency

    The agency can end withholding when support ends: Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) ((302) 577-7171) · Apply online

  4. Pay or collect arrears

    Past-due support is still owed after the end date.

Free help in Delaware

Questions about when support ends in Delaware

When does child support end in Delaware?

18, or if the child is still in high school, when the child graduates or turns 19, whichever comes first

Does child support continue while my child finishes high school in Delaware?

18, or if the child is still in high school, when the child graduates or turns 19, whichever comes first

When can support last longer in Delaware?

Support can also end if custody of all the children is transferred to the paying parent by court order or written agreement. Separately, parents have a duty to support an adult child with a disability who cannot support themselves (13 Del. C. 503).

More for Delaware

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources