Under what circumstance does child support generally terminate?

Child support typically terminates when the child becomes emancipated. Emancipation is a legal process that frees a minor from the control of their parents or guardians, granting them the legal status of an adult. This can occur in several ways, such as when the child reaches a certain age (often 18 in many jurisdictions), marries, joins the military, or demonstrates financial independence.

In most cases, child support obligations are contingent upon the child's dependency and financial needs. Once a child is emancipated, they are considered capable of supporting themselves and no longer entitled to receive support from their parents. Therefore, the obligation for the non-custodial parent to pay child support is typically terminated.

The other scenarios presented, such as the child turning 16 or the custodial parent moving to another state, do not automatically result in the termination of child support. Child support usually remains in effect until the child reaches the age of majority or is emancipated, regardless of the custodial parent's location. The obligor getting married does not directly impact their child support obligations unless it relates to a modification of the support order based on new circumstances.