When child support ends in New Jersey

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

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

19 - support ends automatically when the child turns 19, marries, dies or enters military service.

Usual end age
19
Law
N.J.S.A. 2A:17-56.67

When support stops in New Jersey

19 - support ends automatically when the child turns 19, marries, dies or enters military service

Law: N.J.S.A. 2A:17-56.67

Support can continue past 19 (but generally not past 23) if the child is still in high school, attends full-time college, vocational or graduate school, or has a disability. You must file a 'Request for Continuation of Support' with proof within 45 days of the child's 19th birthday after you get the termination notice. For other reasons, you can ask Family Court for 'financial maintenance'.

When does support end? Check your situation

New Jersey's rule: 19 - support ends automatically when the child turns 19, marries, dies or enters military service

Law: N.J.S.A. 2A:17-56.67

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

  • Delaware: 18, or if the child is still in high school, when the child…
  • Maryland: 18, or until 19 if the child is still enrolled in secondary school
  • Connecticut: 18, or up to 19 if the child is still in high school
  • District of Columbia: 21

Steps as support ends in New Jersey

  1. Look at the end date

    Some orders set their own end date.

  2. Know the age

    The rule in New Jersey: 19 - support ends automatically when the child turns 19, marries, dies or enters military service.

  3. Update the agency

    Ask the agency how and when payments stop: New Jersey Child Support Program (Division of Family Development, NJ Department of Human Services (1-877-655-4371) · Apply online

  4. Pay or collect arrears

    Support that was due remains owed.

Free help in New Jersey

Questions about when support ends in New Jersey

When does child support end in New Jersey?

19 - support ends automatically when the child turns 19, marries, dies or enters military service

When can support last longer in New Jersey?

Support can continue past 19 (but generally not past 23) if the child is still in high school, attends full-time college, vocational or graduate school, or has a disability. You must file a 'Request for Continuation of Support' with proof within 45 days of the child's 19th birthday after you get the termination notice. For other reasons, you can ask Family Court for 'financial maintenance'.

More for New Jersey

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources