When child support ends in New Mexico

The end age, the exceptions, and what to do as support ends.

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

18; if the child turns 18 while still in high school, support continues until the month the child graduates or turns 19, whichever comes first.

Usual end age
18
Latest age in the rule
19
Law
NMSA 1978, § 40-4-7(B); court form 4A-303

New Mexico's rule on the end of support

18; if the child turns 18 while still in high school, support continues until the month the child graduates or turns 19, whichever comes first

Law: NMSA 1978, § 40-4-7(B); court form 4A-303

Support can continue past the usual age for a severely disabled child; courts decide case by case.

Source: OCSS IRG, New Mexico profile

When does support end? Check your situation

New Mexico's rule: 18; if the child turns 18 while still in high school, support continues until the month the child graduates or turns 19, whichever comes first

Law: NMSA 1978, § 40-4-7(B); court form 4A-303

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

  • Arizona: 18
  • Colorado: 19
  • Texas: 18, or high school graduation if later
  • Utah: 18, or graduation from high school during the child's normal and…

What to do now in New Mexico

  1. Look at the end date

    Your order may name an end date or event.

  2. Check the rule

    New Mexico's rule: 18; if the child turns 18 while still in high school, support continues until the month the child graduates or turns 19, whichever comes first.

  3. Update the agency

    The agency can end withholding when support ends: New Mexico Health Care Authority, Child Support Services Division (CSSD) (1-800-283-4465) · Apply online

  4. Settle past-due support

    Arrears can still be collected after support ends.

  5. Talk to legal aid

    Ask for free help: New Mexico Courts HelpLine and New Mexico Legal Aid.

Where to get free help in New Mexico

Questions about when support ends in New Mexico

When does child support end in New Mexico?

18; if the child turns 18 while still in high school, support continues until the month the child graduates or turns 19, whichever comes first

Does child support continue while my child finishes high school in New Mexico?

18; if the child turns 18 while still in high school, support continues until the month the child graduates or turns 19, whichever comes first

Can child support continue past the usual age in New Mexico?

Support can continue past the usual age for a severely disabled child; courts decide case by case.

Keep reading about New Mexico

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources