Child support questions are common – and knowing exactly when and how support ends can save you time, money, and legal headaches. Below, we break down Indiana’s rules in clear, step-by-step language, link to official sources, and explain the exceptions you need to watch for.
1. Default Termination at Age 19
Under Indiana law, a child support obligation terminates by operation of law when the child turns 19 years old. At that point, the child is considered emancipated, and the non-custodial parent’s duty to pay current support ends in.gov.
Official Source:
Indiana Department of Child Services – General Information in.gov
2. Why “Automatic” Isn’t Always Immediate
Even though the law says support ends at 19, in practice you often need to take court action to:
- Stop Wage Withholding:
Employers typically continue garnishing paychecks until they receive a formal “terminate income withholding order.” - Modify the Court Order:
If your order covers multiple children and only one child turns 19, you must file for a modification to adjust support for the remaining child(ren) in.gov.
3. Exceptions That Extend Support
Indiana allows support to continue beyond age 19 in certain circumstances:
- Incapacitation:
If the child is mentally or physically incapacitated, support continues “during the child’s incapacity” per court order in.gov. - Full-Time High School Enrollment:
A parent may file notice (between the child’s 17th and 19th birthday) to extend support until the child graduates from high school in.gov.
Official PDF:
Section 8: Emancipation (Indiana DCS Policy Manual) in.gov
4. Early Termination Options
You can petition the court to end support before age 19 if the child:
- Marries,
- Enlists in active military duty, or
- Is not under the care or control of either parent or a court-approved guardian in.gov.
A successful petition results in a court order declaring the child emancipated for support purposes.
5. Key Steps to End Support Smoothly
- Mark the Date: Note the child’s 19th birthday (or earlier emancipation event).
- File a Petition or Notice: Depending on your situation, file for termination or extension (for schooling/incapacity).
- Obtain the Court Order: Wait for the judge’s signature.
- Serve the Order: Provide copies to the other parent, your employer (for wage withholding), and the DCS Enforcement Unit.
6. Summary Table
| Scenario | Does Support Stop Automatically? | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Child turns 19 | Yes, by law stopping obligation | File termination/modification |
| Child is incapacitated | No, continues until incapacity ends | File extension petition |
| Child still in high school at 19 | No, continues until graduation | File extension notice |
| Child marries, enlists, or emancipated early | No, requires emancipation order | File emancipation petition |
Need More Help?
For full details on Indiana’s Child Support Rules and Guidelines, view the official PDF:
▶︎ https://www.in.gov/courts/files/rules-prop-2023-june-cs-guidelines.pdf
Or visit the Indiana DCS Child Support page:
▶︎ https://www.in.gov/dcs/child-support/
Disclaimer: This article is informational only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, consult an Indiana family law attorney.
Will my child support payments stop automatically when my child turns 19?
No. Although Indiana law states support terminates at age 19, payments will continue until you file the necessary court paperwork to end or modify the order.
What paperwork do I need to stop child support at age 19?
You must file a Petition to Terminate Child Support (or a modification if other children remain on the order) with the court and obtain a signed order to stop wage withholding.
Can child support continue after my child turns 19?
Yes. If a child remains in high school or is unable to support themselves, you can file to extend the support obligation beyond the 19th birthday.
How can I end child support early before child age 19?
Support can be ended before age 19 if the child marries, enlists in the military, or becomes legally emancipated, each requires filing a petition and securing a court order.