When child support ends in North Dakota

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 is 18, still in high school and living with the parent who receives support, support continues to the end of the month of high school graduation or age 19, whichever comes first.

Usual end age
18
Latest age in the rule
19
Law
N.D. Cent. Code 14-09-08.2

When support stops in North Dakota

18. If the child is 18, still in high school and living with the parent who receives support, support continues to the end of the month of high school graduation or age 19, whichever comes first.

Law: N.D. Cent. Code 14-09-08.2

The court may order support past 18 if the parents agree or the court finds it appropriate. The receiving parent files a declaration with Child Support to continue support for a high school student; there is no fee.

When does support end? Check your situation

North Dakota's rule: 18. If the child is 18, still in high school and living with the parent who receives support, support continues to the end of the month of high school graduation or age 19, whichever comes first.

Law: N.D. Cent. Code 14-09-08.2

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)

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

  • South Dakota: 18, or 19 if the child is a full-time student in a secondary
  • Minnesota: 18, or up to 20 if the child is still attending secondary school
  • Nebraska: 19
  • Montana: 18, or graduation from high school if the child is still enrolled…

Your next steps in North Dakota

  1. Check the order

    Some orders set their own end date.

  2. Know the age

    North Dakota's rule: 18. If the child is 18, still in high school and living with the parent who receives support, support continues to the end of the month of high school graduation or age 19, whichever comes first.

  3. Update the agency

    The agency can end withholding when support ends: North Dakota Health and Human Services, Child Support ((701) 328-5440) · Apply online

  4. Pay or collect arrears

    Arrears can still be collected after support ends.

  5. Talk to legal aid

    Legal aid can help for free: Legal Services of North Dakota.

Free help in North Dakota

Questions about when support ends in North Dakota

How long does child support last in North Dakota?

18. If the child is 18, still in high school and living with the parent who receives support, support continues to the end of the month of high school graduation or age 19, whichever comes first.

Is there support during the last year of high school in North Dakota?

If the child is 18, still in high school and living with the parent who receives support, support continues to the end of the month of high school graduation or age 19, whichever comes first.

Can child support continue past the usual age in North Dakota?

The court may order support past 18 if the parents agree or the court finds it appropriate. The receiving parent files a declaration with Child Support to continue support for a high school student; there is no fee.

Keep reading about North Dakota

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources