When child support ends in Kentucky

The age support ends, the high school and disability rules, and what happens with orders from other states.

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

18, or while still a high school student, but not past the end of the school year in which the child turns 19.

Usual end age
18
Latest age in the rule
19
Law
KRS 403.213(3)

When support stops in Kentucky

18, or while still a high school student, but not past the end of the school year in which the child turns 19

Law: KRS 403.213(3)

Support can last longer if the parents agree in writing or the decree says so. Unpaid support that built up before the child was emancipated is still owed. A parent's death does not end support automatically; the court can change it.

When does support end? Check your situation

Kentucky's rule: 18, or while still a high school student, but not past the end of the school year in which the child turns 19

Law: KRS 403.213(3)

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

If your order is from 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)

Arrears are still 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

Steps as support ends in Kentucky

  1. Read your order

    Check what your order says about when support ends.

  2. Check the rule

    Kentucky's rule: 18, or while still a high school student, but not past the end of the school year in which the child turns 19.

  3. Update the agency

    The agency can end withholding when support ends: Department of Child Support Services, Office of the Attorney General ((800) 248-1163) · Apply online

  4. Settle past-due support

    Arrears can still be collected after support ends.

  5. Talk to legal aid

    Ask for free help: KYJustice.org (Kentucky legal aid programs).

Where to get free help in Kentucky

Questions about when support ends in Kentucky

When does child support end in Kentucky?

18, or while still a high school student, but not past the end of the school year in which the child turns 19

What if my child is still in high school in Kentucky?

18, or while still a high school student, but not past the end of the school year in which the child turns 19

When can support last longer in Kentucky?

Support can last longer if the parents agree in writing or the decree says so. Unpaid support that built up before the child was emancipated is still owed. A parent's death does not end support automatically; the court can change it.

More for Kentucky

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources