When Can I Stop Paying Child Support in Illinois?

 Posted on September 25, 2025 in Family Law

Rulings on child support are based on the principle of supporting a child’s best interests. Because of this, decisions about when support ends can vary from case to case. If you have concerns about making or receiving child support payments, we can help. Our experienced DuPage County, IL child support lawyers will explain the law, your rights, and the legal options available to you.

Does Child Support Ever Continue Beyond the Age of 18?

According to Section 505 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, child support usually lasts until a child turns 18. If the child is still in high school at that age, payments may continue until graduation or until they turn 19, whichever comes first. Additionally, the court can extend support when it benefits the child.

Sometimes support lasts past high school. Illinois law allows courts to order parents to help pay for college or job training programs. This can include tuition, books, and housing. The amount depends on each parent’s income, school fees, and the child’s grades.

How Does Emancipation Impact Child Support in Illinois?

According to 750 ILCS 30/2, a minor can be declared emancipated if they are at least 16, live apart from their parents, and can support themselves financially. Essentially, it means the child is treated as an adult in the eyes of the law, and parents no longer have to pay child support.

Other life events can also end support. If a child gets married, joins the military, or moves in full-time with the paying parent, the court may stop or adjust child support.

Do You Have To Pay Back Child Support After the Child Turns 18?

Unpaid child support, known as "arrears," does not go away when your child turns 18. Illinois law says that past-due support must still be paid. Even if your child is now an adult, the other parent can collect through wage garnishment, tax refund interception, or other enforcement tools. Under 750 ILCS 5/510, the court has the power to enforce child support orders until the full balance is paid.

When Is It Reasonable To Request a Modification to Child Support?

Child support can be changed when life circumstances shift. The receiving parent can also request more support if the paying parent begins earning much more. Illinois courts require a "substantial change in circumstances" before an order can be modified. Reviews are allowed every three years, but a judge can approve changes sooner if needed. Common reasons a court may modify child support include:

• Job loss or a major cut in income

• A raise, promotion, or new job with higher pay

• A parent developing a serious medical condition or disability

• A child needing extra medical, educational, or childcare support

• A change in parenting time that shifts the child’s expenses

• A parent having another child to support

• Relocation that changes living costs or custody 

Contact an Oakbrook Terrace, IL Child Support Attorney Now

If your situation has changed, or you are unsure about your responsibilities, you should seek legal guidance. At Farooqi & Husain Law Office, our DuPage County, IL child support lawyers guide parents through every stage of a divorce. 

Attorney Naveed S. Husain combines his legal skills with a strong background in Islamic family law, giving him a unique ability to help members of the Chicago Muslim community understand how faith and law work together. Attorney Ausaf Farooqi adds deep knowledge in immigration and estate planning, as well as experience at the intersection of Islamic personal law and U.S. law. Together, our team is dedicated to protecting your rights, honoring your values, and finding solutions that meet your family’s needs. Contact us today at 630-909-9114 to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options.