6.15 Termination

La. R.S. 9:315.22(A) explains when a child support order terminates. If there is a “per child” order (X shall be paid for child 1, X shall be paid for child 2), upon majority of the eldest child, support terminates as to that child.

However, most support orders are in globo, meaning they are not specific to a child. In that situation, the order terminates upon the youngest child reaching majority.1  The defendant/obligor may request a reduction upon each child reaching the age of majority, but it will not be automatic. There must be a request to the court.

The age of majority for child support purposes is when the child is no longer a full-time student in secondary school, has reached 19 years old, or is no longer dependent on a parent, whichever occurs first.2

• 1La. R.S. 9:315.22(B).
• 2La. R.S. 9:315.22(C).