Emancipation
The legal point when a child becomes independent, typically terminating child support obligations.
Example
Child support ended upon emancipation when their son turned 18 and graduated high school.
Canadian Equivalent
In Canada, this is referred to as Age of Majority (varies: 18 in AB, MB, ON, PE, QC, SK; 19 in BC, NB, NL, NS, NT, NU, YT) — support may continue for dependents in school.
Jurisdiction Variations
ALABAMA
Age 19
Alabama's age of majority is 19, so support continues until 19
MISSISSIPPI
Age 21
Mississippi allows child support to continue until age 21
NEW-YORK
Age 21
New York child support continues until age 21 in most cases
NEBRASKA
Age 19
Nebraska's age of majority is 19
Related Terms
age-of-majoritychild-support-modification