In Wyoming, child support ends when the child turns 18 under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-313. Wyoming extends child support to age 20 if the child remains enrolled full-time in high school or an equivalent program. Support may also continue indefinitely for a child with a physical or mental disability that prevents self-support. Emancipation, marriage, or active military service terminates the obligation early. The average Wyoming child support order is $484 per month, and modifications require a 20% or greater change in the calculated amount under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-311.
Key Facts: Wyoming Child Support Termination
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard Termination Age | 18 years old (Wyo. Stat. § 14-1-101) |
| High School Extension | Until age 20 if enrolled full-time |
| Disability Exception | Indefinite under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-316 |
| College Support Required | No (voluntary agreements only) |
| Emancipation Minimum Age | 17 years old (Wyo. Stat. § 14-1-203) |
| Filing Fee for Modification | $160 (as of March 2026) |
| Modification Threshold | 20% change or substantial change in circumstances |
| Residency Requirement | 60 days (Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-107) |
| Support Calculation Model | Income Shares (Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-304) |
| Average Monthly Order | $484 |
When Does Child Support End in Wyoming: The General Rule
Child support in Wyoming terminates automatically when the child reaches age 18, the state's age of majority under Wyo. Stat. § 14-1-101. This termination date applies unless a court order specifies otherwise or one of several statutory exceptions triggers an extension. Wyoming law does not require the paying parent to file any motion to end support at age 18 because the obligation ceases by operation of law under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-313.
The Wyoming State Disbursement Unit processes the final payment in the month the child turns 18. If the child's 18th birthday falls mid-month, the full monthly payment is still owed for that month. Any arrears (past-due amounts) remain collectible even after the child turns 18 because arrearages are treated as a judgment debt under Wyoming law. The Department of Family Services continues enforcement actions on arrears with no statute of limitations.
The High School Extension: Child Support to Age 20
Wyoming extends child support past age 18 when the child is a full-time high school student or enrolled in an equivalent educational program. Under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-313, support continues until the child graduates from high school or turns 20, whichever occurs first. This extension applies automatically and does not require a separate court petition.
The high school extension covers children who repeat a grade, transfer schools, or pursue a GED through an equivalent program recognized by the Wyoming Department of Education. Approximately 5-7% of Wyoming child support cases involve the high school extension based on Department of Family Services estimates. A child who drops out of high school at age 19 loses the protection of this extension, and support terminates upon withdrawal from full-time enrollment. The custodial parent bears the burden of providing documentation of the child's enrollment status to maintain the extension.
Early Termination: When Child Support Ends Before Age 18
Child support in Wyoming can terminate before age 18 through four specific events: emancipation, marriage, military service, or death. Each event triggers automatic cessation under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-313, though the paying parent should file a motion to formally terminate the order and stop wage withholding through the State Disbursement Unit.
Emancipation
Wyoming allows court-ordered emancipation for minors who are at least 17 years old under Wyo. Stat. § 14-1-203. The minor must file a Petition for Emancipation with the district court clerk in their county of residence. Wyoming law requires the minor to demonstrate four conditions: living separately from parents with parental permission, maintaining lawful employment, achieving financial self-sufficiency, and displaying sufficient maturity. The court must hold a hearing within 60 days of filing, with at least 10 days notice to both the minor and the parents. An emancipation decree terminates the child support obligation effective on the date the court enters the order.
Marriage
When a minor child marries, emancipation occurs automatically under Wyoming law. No separate court proceeding is needed. Wyoming allows marriage at age 16 with parental consent under Wyo. Stat. § 20-1-102. The paying parent should file a motion to terminate support and provide proof of the marriage certificate to the court.
Military Service
A minor who enlists as an active-duty member of the United States Armed Forces becomes automatically emancipated under Wyo. Stat. § 14-1-201. Active military service terminates the child support obligation. Reserve or National Guard participation alone does not trigger emancipation because it does not constitute active-duty status.
Disabled Adult Children: Indefinite Support Under Wyoming Law
Wyoming courts may order child support to continue indefinitely for a child with a physical or mental disability that renders the child incapable of self-support. Under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-316, the court considers the nature and severity of the disability, the child's ability to earn income, available government benefits, and the financial resources of both parents. This obligation does not automatically terminate at age 18 or 20.
The parent seeking continued support must file a motion before the child turns 18 (or 20 if the high school extension applies) to establish the disability-based continuation. Wyoming courts apply the same Income Shares calculation under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-304 for disabled adult child support, adjusted for any Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits the child receives. The 2025 federal self-support reserve of approximately $1,304 per month applies when calculating the paying parent's ability to contribute.
College and Post-Secondary Education: No Requirement in Wyoming
Wyoming does not require parents to pay child support for a child attending college or pursuing post-secondary education. Unlike states such as New York (which extends support to age 21) or Indiana (which can order college contribution), Wyoming law terminates the obligation at 18 unless the high school or disability exception applies. This means that when asking when does child support end in Wyoming for a college-bound student, the answer remains age 18 (or high school graduation if the child is still completing secondary education).
Parents may voluntarily agree to continue financial support for college expenses. To make such an agreement enforceable, it must be in writing, signed by both parties, and incorporated into the court order. Verbal agreements to pay for college tuition are not enforceable under Wyoming law. A written college support agreement can specify the duration (typically through age 22 or 23), the percentage each parent contributes, and conditions such as maintaining a minimum GPA or full-time enrollment status.
How Wyoming Calculates Child Support: The Income Shares Model
Wyoming uses the Income Shares model under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-304 to calculate presumptive child support. Both parents' net monthly incomes are combined to determine a total family support obligation using statutory tables. Each parent's share is proportional to their percentage of the combined income. The average child support order in Wyoming is $484 per month.
| Number of Children | Approximate % of Combined Net Income |
|---|---|
| 1 child | 14.9% to 24.2% |
| 2 children | 20.0% to 36.8% |
| 3 children | 22.8% to 42.0% |
| 4 children | 25.6% to 45.3% |
| 5+ children | 27.6% to 47.8% |
Wyoming's shared custody threshold is 92 or more overnights per year (more than 25% of the year). When both parents meet this threshold, the court multiplies the total obligation by 150% and then divides it proportionally between the parents based on income and parenting time. The self-support reserve for 2025 is approximately $1,304 per month, meaning courts will not reduce a parent's income below this level when calculating support.
How to Modify or Terminate a Child Support Order
Modifying a child support order in Wyoming requires filing a Petition for Modification of Child Support with the district court that entered the original order. The filing fee is $160 as of March 2026. Under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-311, the petitioner must demonstrate either a 20% or greater change in the calculated support amount or a substantial change in circumstances such as job loss, incarceration, or a significant change in the child's needs.
Step-by-Step Modification Process
- Obtain the Custody and Child Support Modification Petitioner Packet from the Wyoming Judicial Branch website (wyocourts.gov), updated May 2025
- Complete the Petition for Modification and Verified Financial Statement on Wyoming Supreme Court-approved forms
- File the petition with the district court clerk and pay the $160 filing fee (fee waiver available via Self-Help Packet 10 with Affidavit of Indigency)
- Serve the other parent via sheriff or signed acknowledgment of receipt
- The other parent has 20 days to respond (30 days if out of state)
- Both parties complete and exchange financial affidavits as required by Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-308
- Attend a hearing where the court applies the presumptive child support guidelines under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-304
- Modified orders take effect from the date of formal notice, not retroactively
The Wyoming Department of Family Services reviews child support orders every 3 years upon request. Parents may also request a review at any time by contacting the Child Support Program at (307) 777-6948 or toll-free at (888) 570-9914.
Enforcement of Unpaid Child Support After Termination
Child support arrears in Wyoming survive the termination of the current obligation. Even after the child turns 18 or 20, any past-due amounts remain a valid judgment debt under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-310. Wyoming has no statute of limitations on collecting child support arrearages. The Department of Family Services uses multiple enforcement tools including wage garnishment, tax refund intercepts, professional license suspension, passport denial for arrears exceeding $2,500, and contempt of court proceedings that can result in up to 6 months incarceration.
The Wyoming State Disbursement Unit at (307) 777-5300 handles all child support payment processing and maintains records of payment history. Parents who believe their arrears balance is incorrect can request a detailed payment history and file a motion for judicial review of the arrearage calculation.
Wyoming Divorce Residency and Filing Requirements
Wyoming requires a minimum of 60 days of residency before filing for divorce under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-107. If the couple married in Wyoming and one spouse has lived continuously in the state since the marriage, the 60-day requirement does not apply. Only one spouse needs to meet the residency requirement. The divorce must be filed in the district court of the county where either spouse resides. The standard filing fee is $160 as of March 2026, which includes a $110 county fee, a $40 Supreme Court automation fee, and a $10 indigent civil legal services fee. Verify current fees with your local clerk of court.
Wyoming is a no-fault divorce state. The only ground required is irreconcilable differences under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-104. Wyoming also recognizes fault-based grounds including adultery, physical or mental cruelty, and habitual drunkenness, though these are rarely used. There is a mandatory 20-day waiting period after the respondent is served before the court can enter a final decree.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age does child support end in Wyoming?
Child support in Wyoming ends at age 18 under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-313. The obligation extends to age 20 if the child remains enrolled full-time in high school or an equivalent educational program. Support also continues indefinitely for children with disabilities that prevent self-support under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-316.
Does Wyoming require child support payments for college?
Wyoming does not require parents to pay child support for college or post-secondary education. The obligation terminates at age 18 (or 20 for high school students) regardless of college enrollment. Parents can create an enforceable college support agreement only if it is in writing, signed by both parties, and incorporated into a court order.
Can child support end before age 18 in Wyoming?
Child support can end before age 18 through emancipation, marriage, active military service, or death. Court-ordered emancipation requires the minor to be at least 17 years old under Wyo. Stat. § 14-1-203 and demonstrate financial self-sufficiency. Marriage and active-duty military enlistment trigger automatic emancipation.
How do I stop child support payments when my child turns 18?
Child support terminates automatically at age 18 under Wyoming law, and no filing is required if the child is not in high school. However, parents should file a motion to formally terminate the order to ensure wage withholding stops through the State Disbursement Unit. Contact the Wyoming Child Support Program at (888) 570-9914 to verify the termination date.
What happens to child support arrears after the child turns 18?
Child support arrears remain fully collectible after the child turns 18 in Wyoming. There is no statute of limitations on collecting past-due support under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-310. The Department of Family Services continues enforcement through wage garnishment, tax intercepts, license suspension, and passport denial for arrears exceeding $2,500.
Can Wyoming child support be modified before it ends?
Yes, either parent can petition to modify child support under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-311. The existing order must be at least 6 months old, and the modification must result in a change of 20% or more, or demonstrate a substantial change in circumstances. The filing fee is $160 as of March 2026. Verify with your local clerk.
Does child support continue for a disabled child past 18 in Wyoming?
Wyoming courts may order indefinite child support for a disabled adult child under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-316. The parent seeking continued support must file a motion before the child reaches 18 (or 20 if the high school extension applies). Courts consider the disability severity, the child's earning capacity, available government benefits, and both parents' financial resources.
How much is the average child support payment in Wyoming?
The average child support order in Wyoming is approximately $484 per month. Wyoming uses the Income Shares model under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-304, where both parents' net monthly incomes are combined to calculate the total obligation. For self-support reserve cases, the average order drops to $105 per month with a median of $74 per month.
What is the self-support reserve in Wyoming child support calculations?
The Wyoming self-support reserve for 2025 is approximately $1,304 per month, based on federal poverty guidelines for one person. Courts will not reduce a paying parent's income below this threshold when calculating child support obligations. The 2024 self-support reserve was $1,255 per month ($15,060 annually). This amount updates annually with federal poverty guideline changes.
Where do I file to modify child support in Wyoming?
File a Petition for Modification in the district court that entered the original child support order. The filing fee is $160 as of March 2026. Forms are available through the Wyoming Judicial Branch Self-Help Center at wyocourts.gov, including the Custody and Child Support Modification Petitioner Packet updated May 2025. The other parent must be served and has 20 days to respond (30 days if out of state).