When Is Child Support Terminated in Washington Divorces?

One of the most common questions parents ask during or after a divorce is when child support actually ends. Many parents assume support automatically stops on a child’s 18th birthday, but in Washington, the answer is often more nuanced. While there is a “typical” way child support is handled, Washington courts have broad discretion to extend child support obligations in certain circumstances.

Understanding how and when child support terminates can help parents plan financially and avoid surprises.

The Typical Order: Age 18 or High School Graduation

In most typical Washington divorces, the Court often orders that child support will end when a specific child either turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever happens later. This rule reflects the state’s recognition that many children are still financially dependent on their parents while completing high school.

For example, if a child turns 18 during their senior year of high school, child support typically continues until graduation. Conversely, if a child graduates at 17, support will usually continue until the child turns 18.

This termination date is often written directly into the child support order so both parents know when support is expected to end.

Post-Secondary Educational Support

Washington courts have discretion to order post-secondary (college or trade school, etc.) educational support, which can extend child support beyond high school graduation and age 18.

This type of support is not automatic. A parent seeking post-secondary support must usually ask the court to extend child support and present evidence that may include:

• The child’s academic performance and educational goals
  
  
• The child’s age and aptitude
  
  
• The financial resources of both parents
  
  
• The child’s own ability to contribute through work, scholarships, or grants

Post-secondary support can include contributions toward tuition, housing, books, fees, healthcare, travel, and more. Courts may also place limits on duration, academic performance, or enrollment status. Again, the Courts have broad discretion to ensure the child is properly supported even during college.

Child Support for Children with Disabilities or Other Circumstances

Since the Court has broad authority regarding Child Support, if they feel the child has circumstances where it is unlikely they will be able to support themselves beyond their 18th birthday or high school, the Court may extend it for a longer period. While most often this applies to children with disabilities, the Court may apply this is any reasonable situation.

In these cases, courts focus on the child’s ongoing needs rather than age alone. Support may be extended pending health developments or for a defined period, depending on the child’s condition, ability to work, and required level of care. This scenario is highly fact dependent.

Every child support order is different. Some include a clear termination date; others require additional court action. Some anticipate post-secondary support, while others are silent on the issue. Some Orders will reserve post-secondary support requiring you to take affirmative action before ethe Child Support Order is terminated for a chance to update the Order.

If you are considering divorce or have questions about child support, it may be important to seek legal advice before making assumptions that could affect your finances or child’s future. At Magnuson Lowell, P.S., we help parents navigate child support issues at every stage, including termination, modification, and post-secondary support. We offer free telephone case evaluations to discuss your situation and next steps. Call today for a free telephone case evaluation 425-800-0582.