Domestic Relations will attempt to contact the parties when a dependent is approximately 18 years of age by sending an Emancipation Inquiry. Based on information received from the parties, Domestic Relations may administratively enter a Court Order terminating support for a dependent on their 18th birthday or the date of graduation from High School, whichever occurs last. The Order will direct the defendant to continue to make payments in the event there is any balance in support or costs due on the case. It is the Defendant’s and Plaintiff’s responsibility to notify the Domestic Relations Section in writing within seven (7) days when a child graduates or quits high school, or when a child is no longer living with the plaintiff.

If the case is coded as Interstate, meaning another state handles part of the Order, the emancipation date may vary due to the laws in the state that the Order was completed.